Question

In biotechnology application, a selectable marker is incorporated in a plasmid

• A. To increase its copy number
• B. To increase the transformation efficiency
• C. To eliminate the non transformants
• D. To increase the expression of the gene of interest

Answer 1

The correct option is C To eliminate the non transformants

In biotechnology, a selectable marker gene is incorporated in a plasmid for artificial selection of transformants. Normally the genes encoding resistance to antibiotics are used as selectable markers. The non transformants will not grow in a media containing antibiotics as they do not have antibiotic-resistant gene. Whereas transformants will grow in same media as they contain antibiotic-resistant gene along with desired gene. Hence, it eliminates the non transformants.

Thus, the correct answer is option C.