Question

why do we make a antibiotic resistance gene ? if the cell becomes resistant to antibiotics then how will the pathogens like E.coli be killed?

Answer 1

Dear student

Antibiotic resistance genes provide resistance against various drugs to the bacteria. They are found either naturally in them or intorduced by genetic engineering.
During genetic engineering process to make recombinant DNA they are used to select recombinants from non recombinants.

They are only introduced in test organisms used during recombinant DNA technology and not in pathogens. However, if pathogens develop these gene, they will surely pose threat to the living organisms as there will be no antibiotics to kill them. That is why, there is a debate that whether we should use genetically modified organisms or not.

Regards