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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 the context of molecular biology and genetic engineering, a "vector" refers to a means of transferring or transporting foreign or desired DNA into a cell or organism. Vectors can be plasmids, viruses, or other entities designed to carry genetic material into host cells.
Step 2
Explain the role of restriction enzymes in the plasmid.
Answer
The restriction enzymes, such as EcoRI, HindIII, and BamHI, are used to cut the ends of the plasmid and the desired gene. This allows the gene to be inserted into the plasmid at the appropriate recognition sites, facilitating the cloning or expression of the gene within a bacterial system.
Step 3
How can ampicillin be used in growing transformed bacteria?
Answer
To grow the bacteria containing the plasmid, agar can be infused with ampicillin. Only those bacteria that have taken up the plasmid with the ampicillin resistance gene will survive and grow on the agar, while those without the plasmid will be killed by the antibiotic.