A plasmid cloning vector and DNA fragments containing the XYZ gene, each digested with the same restriction enzyme, are mixed with DNA ligase. Which product(s) will result?
A) Recombinant plasmids only
B) Nonrecombinant plasmids only
C) Joined-together copies of the DNA fragment containing the XYZ gene only
D) A mixture of recombinant plasmids, nonrecombinant plasmids, and joined-together copies of the DNA fragment containing the XYZ gene
E) No reaction will occur because DNA polymerase, rather than DNA ligase, is needed to insert the DNA fragments into the plasmid cloning vector

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a plasmid cloning vector and DNA fragments are mixed with DNA ligase, a mixture of recombinant plasmids, nonrecombinant plasmids, and joined-together copies of the DNA fragment can result. DNA ligase facilitates the joining of DNA ends, allowing for the possibility of various outcomes, including the insertion of the DNA fragment into the plasmid (recombinant plasmids), self-ligation of the plasmid without the insert (nonrecombinant plasmids), and the ligation of DNA fragments to each other.

A Plasmid Cloning Vector and DNA Fragments Containing the XYZ