Refer to the figure showing an experiment using selectable marker (reporter) genes. Which conclusion is supported by this experiment?
A) E coli can be either sensitive or resistant to specific antibiotics.
B) Antibiotic resistance may be conferred to the bacterium by genes in plasmids.
C) Foreign DNA does not transform the bacterium.
D) Transformed bacteria that contain foreign DNA may be identified by insertion of the foreign DNA into an antibiotic resistance gene.
E) Antibiotic resistance genes are good selectable markers.

Question

Refer to the figure showing an experiment using selectable marker (reporter) genes.  Which conclusion is supported by this experiment?
A) E coli can be either sensitive or resistant to specific antibiotics. 
B) Antibiotic resistance may be conferred to the bacterium by genes in plasmids. 
C) Foreign DNA does not transform the bacterium. 
D) Transformed bacteria that contain foreign DNA may be identified by insertion of the foreign DNA into an antibiotic resistance gene. 
E) Antibiotic resistance genes are good selectable markers.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The experiment involved the use of selectable marker genes, i.e. a gene that confers antibiotic resistance. The transformed bacteria that contained foreign DNA could be identified by their resistance to the antibiotic. Therefore, the conclusion that can be supported by the experiment is that transformed bacteria that contain foreign DNA may be identified by insertion of the foreign DNA into an antibiotic resistance gene.

Refer to the Figure Showing an Experiment Using Selectable Marker