NEETZoologyBiotechnology - Principles and Processes
What is a selectable marker?
Options
- AAn enzyme that is present in transformed cells
- BA method to select transformed cells
- CA gene that provides resistance to an antibiotic
- DA chemical used to transform recipient cells
Correct answer
C. A gene that provides resistance to an antibiotic
Step-by-step solution
There are several methods of introducing the ligated DNA into recipient cells. Recipient cells after making them ‘competent’ to receive, take up DNA present in its surrounding. So, if a recombinant DNA bearing gene for resistance to an antibiotic (e.g., ampicillin) is transferred into E. coli cells, the host cells become transformed into ampicillin-resistant cells. If we spread the transformed cells on agar plates containing ampicillin, only transformants will grow, untransformed recipient cells will die. Since, du