Question

In order to isolate the cry from Bacillus thuringiensis, its genomic DNA needs to be extracted out. Which of the following enzymes will be used for dissolving the cell wall of the bacteria in order to achieve this?

• A. Chitinase
  
• B. Cellulase
  
• C. Lysozymes
  
• D. Ribonuclease
  
  

Answer 1

The correct option is C Lysozymes


The first step of genetic engineering is extraction of genomic DNA by dissolving the cell wall and cell membrane of the cell from which the gene of interest is to be isolated.

The gene of interest in the given case is cry and the bacteria whose cell wall has to be digested in order to extract the cry is called Bacillus thuringiensis

The bacterial cell wall is made up of peptidoglycan, a polymer which consists of sugars and amino acids. Lysozymes are enzymes that breakdown the chemical bonds holding the structure of peptidoglycan. This results in the breakdown of the cell wall. Hence it is used to dissolve bacterial cell wall.
Chitinases are enzymes effective in breaking down fungal cell wall which are made up of chitin.
Cellulases are enzymes used for breaking down plant cell wall made up of cellulose.
Ribonucleases or RNase are enzymes which are used to break down RNA into smaller components.