State the purpose of a selectable marker gene in plant genetic engineering and give one commonly used selectable marker.
Answer
To allow identification and selection of successfully transformed cells; commonly used marker: nptII conferring kanamycin resistance.
Step-by-step solution
- Define selectable marker gene as a gene that provides a selectable trait to transformed cells.
- Explain that it enables screening by antibiotic or herbicide resistance, thereby distinguishing transformed from non‑transformed cells.
- Give an example: the nptII gene from *Neurospora crassa*, which confers resistance to kanamycin and is widely used in plant transformation.
Common mistake: Confusing selectable markers with reporter genes
Concept tested: Role of selectable markers
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