NEETZoologyBiotechnology - Principles and Processes
What is the purpose of retroviruses in animal cells?
Options
- ATo transform normal cells into cancerous cells
- BTo deliver genes of interest into animal cells
- CTo produce chemicals required by pathogens
- DTo transform plant cells into a tumor
Correct answer
A. To transform normal cells into cancerous cells
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 ge