[Campbell Biology P.471] According to Figure 20.8, what is the primary purpose of including ... | Practice Question

According to Figure 20.8, what is the primary purpose of including an antibiotic resistance gene in the bacterial plasmid cloning vector during the gene cloning process?

  • A: To enable the plasmid to replicate independently within the host cell.
  • B: To provide a selectable marker, allowing researchers to identify and grow only the bacterial cells that have successfully taken up the plasmid.
  • C: To directly enhance the expression level of the cloned gene.
  • D: To protect the recombinant DNA from degradation by host cell enzymes.

Explanation

As stated in Figure 20.8, 'Recombinant DNA plasmids are added to bacterial host cells, which are then treated with antibiotic. Only cells that take up a plasmid will survive, due to the antibiotic resistance gene.' This indicates that the antibiotic resistance gene acts as a selectable marker, allowing for the identification and isolation of bacterial cells that have successfully acquired the plasmid containing the gene of interest.