State the purpose of a selectable marker gene in plant genetic engineering and give one commonly used selectable marker.
Answer
It allows identification of transformed cells; e.g., the nptII gene conferring kanamycin resistance.
The correct answer is It allows identification of transformed cells; e.g., the nptII gene conferring kanamycin resistance. — Give an example: the nptII gene, which encodes neomycin phosphotransferase and confers resistance to kanamycin.
Step-by-step solution
- Define a selectable marker as a gene introduced to enable selection of cells that have incorporated foreign DNA.
- Explain that it provides resistance to an antibiotic or herbicide, allowing only transformed cells to survive on selective medium.
- Give an example: the nptII gene, which encodes neomycin phosphotransferase and confers resistance to kanamycin.
Common mistake: Confusing selectable marker with a reporter gene
Concept tested: Selectable marker in plant transformation
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