The diagram shows how the human insulin gene can be used to genetically modify bacteria - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 6 - 2014 - Paper 1
Question 6
The diagram shows how the human insulin gene can be used to genetically modify bacteria.
(a) (i) Name the enzyme used to join the insulin gene to the plasmid.
(ii)... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows how the human insulin gene can be used to genetically modify bacteria - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 6 - 2014 - Paper 1
Step 1
(i) Name the enzyme used to join the insulin gene to the plasmid.
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Answer
The enzyme used to join the insulin gene to the plasmid is called ligase. Ligase is responsible for forming bonds between the DNA fragments, facilitating the connection of the insulin gene into the plasmid.
Step 2
(ii) Suggest why the same restriction enzyme was used to cut the human chromosome and the plasmid.
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Answer
The same restriction enzyme was used to cut both the human chromosome and the plasmid to ensure that the compatible ends of the DNA can be joined together. By using the same restriction enzyme, the cuts will produce complementary sticky or blunt ends, which allows for the insulin gene to efficiently integrate into the plasmid DNA, promoting successful cloning and expression in the bacterium.