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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
Observe the schematic representation of the cloning vector pBR322 given below.

If a foreign DNA fragment is successfully ligated at the PvuIPvuI restriction site, which of the following correctly describes the growth characteristics of the resulting recombinant E. coli cells?

Options

  1. AThey will grow on a medium containing ampicillin but fail to grow on a medium containing tetracycline.
  2. BThey will grow on a medium containing tetracycline but fail to grow on a medium containing ampicillin.
  3. CThey will grow normally on media containing both ampicillin and tetracycline.
  4. 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 PvuIPvuI is located within the ampicillin resistance gene (ampRamp^{R}).

When a foreign DNA fragment is successfully ligated at the PvuIPvuI site, it disrupts the ampRamp^{R} 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 (tetRtet^{R}) 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.
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