0
Plasmids are often used as expression vectors in biotechnology. Plasmids are small, circular or linear pieces of DNA containing non-essential genes that are found in all life, although much more common in prokaryotes, especially bacteria. These genes confer abilities such as metabolizing a previously unusable compound, building an amino acid previously unbuildable, or even antibiotic resistance. Plasmids are used in research to induce the expression of a gene usually not found in the given organism. For example, you can construct a plasmid with a bacterial promoter connected to the gene for a human protein through a process called 'cloning'. The plasmid with the human gene can then be introduced into bacteria by transforming a competent gram-negative with the plasmid. Usually the plasmid also has an antibiotic resistance gene in addition to the target gene. This antibiotic resistance can be used to select for bacteria containing the plasmid. For example, the most common resistance gene is ampicillin resistance gene. If you grow the transformed bacteria in a culture containing ampicillin, only bacteria containing the antibiotic resistance, and therefore containing the plasmid, can survive. This will ensure that what you have is a pure culture of bacteria containing the plasmid. After selection, these bacteria can be cultured in suitable media to increase their numbers to a point that their production of the human protein becomes appreciable. Then these bacteria are usually lysed (killed) to extract the protein. Sometimes, however, these bacteria can also be made to secrete the protein into the medium.
Still curious? Ask our experts.
Chat with our AI personalities
Fran
Beau
ViviPlasmids are small, circular DNA molecules that are commonly used as vectors in biotechnology to carry and replicate foreign DNA sequences in host cells. They are versatile tools for gene cloning, genetic engineering, and recombinant DNA technology. Plasmids can be easily manipulated in the laboratory to insert specific genes of interest, making them valuable tools for various applications in biotechnology.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How are plasmids used in biotechnology?
Plasmids are commonly used in biotechnology as vectors to transfer genes into different types of host cells for various applications, such as gene cloning, protein production, and genetic engineering. By introducing plasmids containing specific genes into cells, researchers can manipulate the genetic material of the cells to study gene function, produce proteins of interest, or modify cellular processes for scientific or industrial purposes.
Which technology allows strands of DNA to be transferred from the cells of one species into the cells of another species?
Recombinant DNA technology, involving the use of restriction enzymes to cut DNA segments and ligase enzymes to paste them into vectors like plasmids, allows the transfer of DNA from one species into another. This process has various applications in genetic engineering, including the creation of genetically modified organisms.
Scientists developing biotechnologies often use vectors in their research Which statement best describes what a vector is?
In biotechnology, a vector is a tool used to transport foreign genetic material, such as DNA, into a host organism. Vectors are commonly used in genetic engineering to introduce new traits or produce specific proteins in the host organism.
How do you create an biotechnology acrostic?
To create a biotechnology acrostic, spell out the word "BIOTECHNOLOGY" vertically down the left side of the page. Then, for each letter, come up with a word or phrase related to biotechnology that starts with that letter. For example, for "B" you could use "Genetic Engineering" and for "O" you could use "Organism Modification."
How do eukaryotes utilize plasmids in their genetic material?
Eukaryotes can use plasmids to introduce new genes into their genetic material through a process called transfection. Plasmids can be engineered to carry specific genes of interest, which can then be inserted into eukaryotic cells to alter their genetic makeup and potentially change their characteristics or functions.
