Question

Which of the following can be used as vectors in recombinant DNA technology?
(i) Bacteria (ii) Plasmid
(iii) pBR322 (iv) Bacteriophage

• A. (i), (ii)
• B. (ii) only
• C. (i) & (iii)
• D. (ii), (iii) & (iv)

Answer 1

The correct option is D (ii), (iii) & (iv)

Vectors are molecules which act as vehicles to carry genes of interest to the desired host organism.

Plasmid and bacteriophage are used as vectors in genetic engineering.

Plasmid is an autonomously replicating, circular, extrachromosomal DNA found in bacteria. It is used in biotechnology for transferring desirable genes into the host. pBR322 is an artificial plasmid constructed by Bolivar and Rodriguez

Bacteriophage is a virus that infects bacterial cells. During infection, bacteriophages inject their DNA into bacteria. The ability of transferring DNA to a specific host during the infection process makes them capable vectors.

Bacteria are single-celled organisms and they are used as host organisms in rDNA technology. The genetically modified vector is introduced into the bacterial cells.