Apentix/AP Biology/Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation/Question
AP Biologymediummcq1 pt

A plasmid carrying a target human gene also carries an antibiotic resistance gene. After transforming bacteria, researchers plate the cells on medium containing that antibiotic. What does this step accomplish?

A.Only bacteria that took up the plasmid survive and grow into visible colonies
B.The antibiotic induces the human gene to jump into the bacterial chromosome
C.Exposure raises expression of the cloned human gene
D.Colonies reveal how many plasmid copies each surviving cell carries

Explanation

Core Concept

Transformation delivers plasmids to only a small fraction of cells. The resistance gene product disables the antibiotic, so transformed cells keep dividing while untransformed neighbors die. Because the marker rides on the same plasmid as the human insert, surviving colonies identify bacteria likely carrying the recombinant construct. The step concentrates later screening on successfully transformed cells.

Correct Answer

AOnly bacteria that took up the plasmid survive and grow into visible colonies

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