[14] Plasmids and Vectors

Question 1

What are plasmids?

Answer 1

Small, circular pieces of DNA that exist independently of the chromosome in bacteria.

Question 2

What is the role of plasmids in bacteria?

Answer 2

They carry genes that can benefit the survival of the organism, such as antibiotic resistance genes.

Question 3

Why are plasmids significant in genetic engineering?

Answer 3

They serve as vectors for gene cloning and gene therapy procedures.

Question 4

How do plasmids serve as vectors in genetic engineering?

Answer 4

They can be manipulated to carry foreign DNA and then reintroduced into bacterial cells.

Question 5

What is a vector in the context of genetic engineering?

Answer 5

A carrier that can transfer foreign genetic material into another cell.

Question 6

What properties make a good vector for genetic engineering?

Answer 6

A good vector is easy to manipulate, stable, non-toxic, and able to carry a sufficient amount of foreign DNA.

Question 7

What is the function of an origin of replication in a plasmid?

Answer 7

It is the sequence of DNA where replication begins, allowing the plasmid to multiply independently within a cell.

Question 8

What is a selectable marker in a plasmid?

Answer 8

A gene that confers a trait, such as antibiotic resistance, allowing cells containing the plasmid to be selected or identified.

Question 9

What is a multiple cloning site (MCS) in a plasmid?

Answer 9

A short segment of DNA which contains several restriction sites, allowing for the insertion of foreign DNA.

Question 10

MCS - Initials

Answer 10

Multiple Cloning Site

Question 11

What is the purpose of the restriction sites within the MCS of a plasmid?

Answer 11

They allow for precise insertion of foreign DNA at specific locations within the plasmid.

Question 12

How are plasmids used to produce proteins?

Answer 12

A gene that codes for a particular protein can be inserted into the plasmid, which is then introduced into a bacterial cell. The bacterial cell then uses the gene to produce the protein.

Question 13

What are expression vectors?

Answer 13

Vectors which have sequences that allow for the transcription and translation of inserted DNA within a host organism.

Question 14

What is the role of a promoter in an expression vector?

Answer 14

It initiates the transcription of the inserted gene.

Question 15

What is transformation in the context of plasmids and vectors?

Answer 15

The process of introducing a plasmid into a bacterial cell.

Question 16

Why is transformation significant in genetic engineering?

Answer 16

It allows for the propagation and expression of foreign DNA within a host organism.

Question 17

What are shuttle vectors?

Answer 17

Vectors that can replicate in multiple species of organisms.

Question 18

What is the purpose of shuttle vectors in genetic engineering?

Answer 18

They allow for the manipulation of DNA in one organism and the expression of the DNA in a different organism.

Question 19

What is a binary vector in plant genetic engineering?

Answer 19

A two-part system where one plasmid is used for DNA replication and another for the delivery of the DNA into plant cells.

Question 20

How does a binary vector system work in plant genetic engineering?

Answer 20

The first plasmid, which contains the gene of interest, is introduced into Agrobacterium. This bacterium then transfers the gene of interest into the plant cell.