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Question #46982
The Question
During a genetic engineering experiment, a researcher treats a fungal culture with chitinase to facilitate the uptake of a recombinant plasmid. However, the researcher fails to inactivate the restriction endonucleases used during the vector preparation, allowing them to enter the newly formed protoplasts along with the plasmid. What will be the most likely consequence of this procedural error?
Options
- A.
The active endonucleases will cleave the host's genomic DNA, leading to genome fragmentation and cell death prior to vector integration.
- B.
The transformation efficiency will significantly increase because the endonucleases will generate sticky ends in the host genome for vector integration.
- C.
The chitinase will degrade the recombinant DNA vector since the protective fungal cell wall has been removed.
- D.
The recombinant plasmid will be unable to enter the nucleus because the cell wall receptors required for endocytosis were digested by chitinase.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Fungal Wall Chemistry|Biological Classification
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Understanding the strict substrate specificity of enzymes (Chitinase vs.
Endonuclease) and the lethal consequence of unrestricted restriction endonuclease activity in vivo.
A common misconception is that restriction enzymes only act on the foreign vector or that any 'sticky ends' created in the host genome will naturally facilitate transformation, ignoring the fatal reality of widespread genomic fragmentation.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biological Classification - Class 11 |
| Concept | Fungal Wall Chemistry |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |