Start Learning Free

Before You Begin

Question #47743

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

A biotechnologist is attempting to introduce a recombinant plasmid containing a nematode-specific gene into various host cells. Read the following statements regarding the gene delivery methods and identify the INCORRECT statement:

Options

  • A.

    Recombinant DNA can be forced into bacterial cells by incubating them with divalent calcium cations, followed by a brief heat shock at 42°C and returning them to ice.

  • B.

    Intact plant cells can be made competent for direct DNA uptake by alternating temperature treatments (ice to 42°C), as the thermal shock creates transient pores in the rigid cellulose matrix.

  • C.

    Biolistics is an ideal method for transforming plant cells, utilizing high-velocity micro-projectiles of gold or tungsten coated with DNA to mechanically bypass the cell wall barrier.

  • D.

    Disarmed retroviruses are utilized to deliver desirable genes into animal cells, whereas Agrobacterium tumefaciens is primarily used as a vector for dicotyledonous plants.

Check Your Answer

Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Regulatory_Failure

Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.

Concepts Behind This Question

Bioreactor_Geometry|Downstream_Processing|Secondary_Metabolites

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize the 'heat shock' method for making cells 'competent' without realizing it is anatomically restricted to prokaryotes.

The trap relies on the student failing to account for the mechanical rigidity of the plant cell wall, which cannot be bypassed by thermal/osmotic shock, necessitating entirely different physical methods (Biolistics) or biological vectors.

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectBiology
ChapterBiotechnology : Principles and Processes - Class 12
ConceptElution Process
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load5
Target Solve Time120 sec
AccessFree