The reason that many plasmids used in laboratories for transformation experiments contain an ampicillin resistance gene (amp_R)is A)so that the plasmid can replicate in bacterial cells. B)so that the plasmid can recombine with the bacterial genome. C)to enable the recipient cell to conjugate. D)to provide a selectable marker. E)to map point mutations.

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The ampicillin resistance gene is often used as a selectable marker in transformation experiments because it allows for the selection of cells that have successfully taken up the plasmid. Cells that have not taken up the plasmid will not be able to survive in the presence of the antibiotic, while those that have taken up the plasmid and therefore have the resistance gene will be able to survive. This allows researchers to selectively grow the cells that have been transformed with the plasmid.

The Reason That Many Plasmids Used in Laboratories for Transformation