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Scientists use recombinant bacterial plasmids as vectors to transform bacteria for a range of purposes in research and biotechnology - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 9 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 9
Scientists use recombinant bacterial plasmids as vectors to transform bacteria for a range of purposes in research and biotechnology. a. What is meant by the term "... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Scientists use recombinant bacterial plasmids as vectors to transform bacteria for a range of purposes in research and biotechnology - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 9 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
What is meant by the term "vector" in the context given?
Answer
In this context, a "vector" refers to a means of transferring or transporting foreign or desired DNA into a cell or organism. Vectors are essential in genetic engineering as they facilitate the introduction of genetic material into target cells, allowing for the expression of specific genes.
Step 2
Describe the function of restriction enzymes in the context of this plasmid.
Answer
The restriction enzymes EcoRI, HindIII, and BamHI are used to cut the ends of the plasmid and the desired gene, facilitating the insertion of the gene into the plasmid. This process ensures that the gene can be integrated at the correct location, allowing for the subsequent expression of the gene within the bacterial host.
Step 3
Explain how bacteria containing the plasmid can be selected.
Answer
To select bacteria that contain the plasmid, agar can be used that contains the antibiotic ampicillin. The bacteria that will grow on this agar are those that have taken up the plasmid with the amp gene, which provides resistance to ampicillin. Bacteria that do not take up the plasmid will be killed by ampicillin, allowing for the identification of successfully transformed cells.