- Exam
- NEET
- Subject
- Zoology
- Chapter
- Biotechnology - Principles and Processes
NEET · Zoology · Biotechnology - Principles and Processes
What type of virus has the ability to transform normal cells into...
Options
- ARetroviruses
- BAdenoviruses
- CHerpesviruses
- DPapillomaviruses
Correct answer
A. Retroviruses
Step-by-step solution
Similarly, retroviruses in animals have the ability to transform normal cells into cancerous cells. A better understanding of the art of delivering genes by pathogens in their eukaryotic hosts has generated knowledge to transform these tools of pathogens into useful vectors for delivering genes of interest to humans. The tumor inducing (Ti) plasmid of Agrobacterium tumifaciens has now been modified into a cloning vector which is no more pathogenic to the plants but is still able to use the mechanisms to deliver genes of our interest into a variety of plants. Similarly, retroviruses have also been disarmed and are now used to deliver desirable genes into animal cells. So, once a gene or a DNA fragment has been ligated into a suitable vector it is transferred into a bacterial, plant or animal host (where it multiplies).