Question

Who is the father of genetic engineering?

• A. Steward Linn
• B. Stanley Cohen
• C. Paul Berg
• D. Kary Mullis

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Paul Berg

The correct option is C.

Explanation for Correct option:

1. In 1972, Paul Berg did the first recombination of DNA under in vitro conditions in a test tube.
2. Recombinant DNA or hybrid DNA is defined as a method of joining two different DNA together.
3. His work helped in studying the structure of virus chromosomes and the biochemical basis of human genes.
4. He along with his colleague received Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1998.

Explanation for Incorrect option:

Option A:

1. Steward Linn discovered the enzyme methylase that restricted the growth of bacteriophages adds a methyl group to DNA.
2. Methylase adds (-CH₃) to adenine or cytosine within the recognition site.

Option B:

1. Stanley Cohen in the early 70's worked with plasmids.
2. He discovered the epidermal growth factors and nerve growth factors.
3. He received Nobel Prize with Rita Levi-Montalcini in 1986 for his discovery of growth factors.

Option D:

1. Kary Mullis wanted to use two primers instead of one to direct the polymerization of one forward strand and another backward strand leading to high amplification.
2. So he discovered PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) in December 1983 using two primers for DNA amplification by repeated cycles.
3. PCR is used to n number of copies from a specific part of DNA in in-vitro condition.
4. In 1993 he was awarded Nobel Prize.

Final answer: Paul Berg is the father of genetic engineering.