NEETZoologyBiotechnology - Principles and Processes
What is the main reason for DNA being unable to pass through cell membranes?
Options
- ADNA is a hydrophobic molecule
- Bcannot be forced into bacteria
- Cis a hydrophilic molecule
- Dcannot enter the bacterium through pores in its cell wall
Correct answer
C. is a hydrophilic molecule
Step-by-step solution
Since DNA is a hydrophilic molecule , it cannot pass through cell membranes. Why? In order to force bacteria to take up the plasmid, the bacterial cells must first be made ‘competent’ to take up DNA. This is done by treating them with a specific concentration of a divalent cation, such as calcium, which increases the efficiency with which DNA enters the bacterium through pores in its cell wall. Recombinant DNA can then be forced into such cells by incubating the cells with recombinant DNA on ice, followed by placin