Question

One of the key factors, because of which the plasmid is used as the vector in genetic engineering is

• A. its resistance to antibiotics
• B. its resistance to restriction enzymes
• C. its ability to carry a foreign gene
• D. its ability to cause infection in the host

Answer 1

The correct option is C its ability to carry a foreign gene

Plasmids are extra-chromosomal, self replicating, usually circular, double stranded DNA molecules found naturally in many bacteria and also in some yeasts. Plasmids are usually not essential for normal cell growth and division, but they often confer some traits to the host organism e.g., resistance to certain antibiotics. The plasmid that is used as a carrier for transferring a fragment of foreign DNA into a suitable host is called the vehicle DNA or the cloning vector or the gene carrier.