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Question #47734
The Question
During the commercial production of a recombinant therapeutic protein, a batch is rejected during the strict quality control phase of downstream processing. The rejection was due to trace contamination by a chemical routinely used in the laboratory to visualize isolated DNA fragments under UV light. Which of the following best explains the biological hazard of this contaminant in a final pharmacological formulation?
Options
- A.
It intercalates between the nitrogenous bases of DNA, acting as a potent mutagen and carcinogen in the recipient.
- B.
It selectively denatures the therapeutic protein by disrupting its tertiary structure during clinical formulation.
- C.
It acts as a selectable marker that could inadvertently confer antibiotic resistance to the patient's gut microbiome.
- D.
It prevents the downstream separation process by forming an insoluble, toxic complex with the recombinant protein.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Supercoiled_Plasmid|Linear_DNA|EtBr_Staining
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize 'Ethidium Bromide = DNA visualization' without connecting its molecular mechanism (intercalation) to its biological hazard (mutagenesis).
This question tests the synthesis of two NCERT concepts: the tools of biotechnology (gel electrophoresis/EtBr) and the strict safety requirements of Downstream Processing, highlighting why upstream R&D chemicals must be rigorously purged from final therapeutic formulations.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biotechnology : Principles and Processes - Class 12 |
| Concept | Gel Electrophoresis Migration |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |