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Question
Plasmids are used as vectors in genetic engineering because of their
Plasmids are used as vectors in genetic engineering because of their
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Solution
The correct option is A Ability to carry foreign genes
Genetic engineering
The modification of the genetic material (RNA or DNA) of organisms to use them to produce commercially important substances is called genetic engineering.
In this the gene of interest is inserted into a self replicating vector DNA like plasmid to form a recombinant DNA (rDNA). The rDNA is then inserted into a host organism to make clones of the gene of interest.
Vector
Vectors are the DNA molecules which can carry the foreign DNA fragment into the host cells for cloning. Examples include plasmids.
Features of an ideal vector
Common features of an ideal vector include the following:
- Presence of origin of replication (ori)
- Selectable markers
- Sites for the action of restriction endonucleases (restriction sites)
- Small sizes
- Copy number
Plasmid
Plasmids are circular, extranuclear, double stranded, self replicating DNA molecules that are used as vectors for small fragments of DNA.
Features of plasmid as vector
Plasmids are used as vectors due to the following reasons:-
- Origin of replication (ori)- It is a specific nucleotide sequence that initiates replication. Due to this the plasmid can undergo self replication giving rise to multiple copies of the desired gene in the host cell.
- Selectable markers - Gene sequences like antibiotic resistance genes present which help to identify transformants and the non-transformants.
- Sites for the action of restriction endonucleases - Recognition sites for restriction enzymes help in the cleavage of the plasmid helping in inserting the gene of choice.
- Carrying capacity - Plasmids carry DNA inserts of about 15kbp in size.
Final answer:
c. Ability to carry foreign genes
Genetic engineering
The modification of the genetic material (RNA or DNA) of organisms to use them to produce commercially important substances is called genetic engineering.
In this the gene of interest is inserted into a self replicating vector DNA like plasmid to form a recombinant DNA (rDNA). The rDNA is then inserted into a host organism to make clones of the gene of interest.
Vector
Vectors are the DNA molecules which can carry the foreign DNA fragment into the host cells for cloning. Examples include plasmids.
Features of an ideal vector
Common features of an ideal vector include the following:
- Presence of origin of replication (ori)
- Selectable markers
- Sites for the action of restriction endonucleases (restriction sites)
- Small sizes
- Copy number
Plasmids are circular, extranuclear, double stranded, self replicating DNA molecules that are used as vectors for small fragments of DNA.
Features of plasmid as vector
Plasmids are used as vectors due to the following reasons:-
- Origin of replication (ori)- It is a specific nucleotide sequence that initiates replication. Due to this the plasmid can undergo self replication giving rise to multiple copies of the desired gene in the host cell.
- Selectable markers - Gene sequences like antibiotic resistance genes present which help to identify transformants and the non-transformants.
- Sites for the action of restriction endonucleases - Recognition sites for restriction enzymes help in the cleavage of the plasmid helping in inserting the gene of choice.
- Carrying capacity - Plasmids carry DNA inserts of about 15kbp in size.
c. Ability to carry foreign genes
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