Thymidine kinase is valuable in the targeting of mouse genes because:
A)it enhances the efficiency of gene replacement.
B)it suppresses expression of the target gene.
C)it allows researchers to enrich cells for those that have undergone homologous recombination.
D)transgenic cells are resistant to gancyclovir.
E)transgenic cells are sensitive to gancyclovir.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Thymidine kinase allows researchers to enrich cells that have undergone homologous recombination by selecting for cells that are resistant to the drug gancyclovir. Gancyclovir is toxic to cells that express thymidine kinase, which is often used as a selectable marker in gene targeting experiments. Thus, cells that have undergone homologous recombination and contain the thymidine kinase gene will be resistant to gancyclovir, allowing them to be selected and enriched in cell culture.

Thymidine Kinase Is Valuable in the Targeting of Mouse Genes