When cloning a gene into a plasmid, which enzyme would you use to covalently attach the gene to the plasmid DNA?
A) DNA polymerase
B) exonuclease III
C) DNA Ligase
D) alkaline phosphatase
E) a restriction endonuclease

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

DNA Ligase is the enzyme that can covalently attach the gene to the plasmid DNA by catalyzing the formation of a phosphodiester bond between the 3'-hydroxyl end of one DNA molecule and the 5'-phosphate end of the other. This process is known as ligation and is an essential step for creating recombinant DNA molecules. DNA polymerase, exonuclease III, alkaline phosphatase, and restriction endonucleases play different roles in genetic engineering but are not used for attaching a gene into a plasmid.

When Cloning a Gene into a Plasmid, Which Enzyme Would