The pTET-KAN plasmid carries an origin of replication and genes …

Biology Questions

The pTET-KAN plasmid carries a origin of replication (ori) and genes conlerring resistance lo Ine anlbiotics tetracycline (tet) and kanamycin (kan) as represented in the figure_ Cultures of E: coli bacteria were transformed with the plasmid_ T determine the success of the transformation experiment; the bacterial cells were cultured in the presence or absence of tetracycline overnight: Predict lhe most likely oulcome of culturing transformed E.coli in the presence of tetracycline. Justify your prediction: Researchers inserted small fragment of human DNA into the TET-KAN plasmid Cultures of E.coli were transformed with the modifiled plasmid Tine transtormed bacterial cells were able to survive in the presence of tetracycline but were unable to survive in the presence of kanamycin. Draw a X” on the plasmid template provided below to indicate where the human DNA fragment was most likely inserted. Justify the placement of the inserted human DNA: PTEI-KAN L

Short Answer

The experiment involved transforming E. coli with a plasmid that provided resistance to tetracycline and kanamycin. The transformed bacteria can survive in tetracycline due to the tet gene, but the insertion of human DNA disrupted the kan gene, making them susceptible to kanamycin.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understanding the Transformation Process

In this experiment, E. coli bacteria were transformed with a plasmid known as pTET-KAN, which contains genes providing resistance to two antibiotics: tetracycline and kanamycin. The plasmid is taken up by the bacterial cells, integrating into their own genetic material. This transformation is crucial as it prepares the bacteria to survive in the presence of certain antibiotics.

Step 2: Survival in Tetracycline Presence

The transformed E. coli can survive when cultured in an environment containing tetracycline due to the tet gene present on the plasmid. This gene equips the bacteria with a mechanism to resist the effects of tetracycline, allowing the transformed cells to continue growing. In contrast, untransformed bacteria would not survive in such an environment.

Step 3: Implications of Human DNA Insertion

During the transformation, a fragment of human DNA was also inserted, likely into the region carrying the kan gene. This insertion disrupted the gene’s function, rendering the transformed bacteria unable to resist kanamycin. As a result, while the E. coli thrive in tetracycline, they would succumb to kanamycin due to the disruption caused by the human DNA fragment.

Related Concepts

Transformation Process

The method by which bacteria take up plasmids or genetic material from their environment, integrating it into their own genome to acquire new traits, such as antibiotic resistance

Plasmid

A small, circular piece of dna that is separate from chromosomal dna and can replicate independently; often contains genes for traits like antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to survive and grow in the presence of antibiotics, usually due to genetic adaptations that neutralize or evade the effects of the drugs.

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