NEET 2026
- Exam
- NEET
- Year
- 2026
- Subject
- Biology
- Chapter
- Chapter
NEET 2026 · Biology · Chapter
Observe the schematic representation of the cloning vector pBR322...
Observe the schematic representation of the cloning vector pBR322 given below.
If a foreign DNA fragment is successfully ligated at the restriction site, which of the following correctly describes the growth characteristics of the resulting recombinant E. coli cells?
Options
- AThey will grow on a medium containing ampicillin but fail to grow on a medium containing tetracycline.
- BThey will grow on a medium containing tetracycline but fail to grow on a medium containing ampicillin.
- CThey will grow normally on media containing both ampicillin and tetracycline.
- DThey will fail to grow on both ampicillin and tetracycline containing media.
Correct answer
B. They will grow on a medium containing tetracycline but fail to grow on a medium containing ampicillin.
Step-by-step solution
Based on the schematic representation of the cloning vector pBR322, the restriction site for the enzyme is located within the ampicillin resistance gene ().
When a foreign DNA fragment is successfully ligated at the site, it disrupts the gene. This phenomenon is known as insertional inactivation. As a result, the recombinant plasmid loses its ability to confer resistance to ampicillin.
However, the tetracycline resistance gene () remains intact and functional because no insertion occurred within it. Therefore, the recombinant cells retain their resistance to tetracycline.
Consequently, the recombinant E. coli cells will be able to grow on a medium containing tetracycline but will fail to grow on a medium containing ampicillin.
Answer: They will grow on a medium containing tetracycline but fail to grow on a medium containing ampicillin.
When a foreign DNA fragment is successfully ligated at the site, it disrupts the gene. This phenomenon is known as insertional inactivation. As a result, the recombinant plasmid loses its ability to confer resistance to ampicillin.
However, the tetracycline resistance gene () remains intact and functional because no insertion occurred within it. Therefore, the recombinant cells retain their resistance to tetracycline.
Consequently, the recombinant E. coli cells will be able to grow on a medium containing tetracycline but will fail to grow on a medium containing ampicillin.
Answer: They will grow on a medium containing tetracycline but fail to grow on a medium containing ampicillin.