Before You Begin
Question #47761
The Question
During the large-scale production of a recombinant therapeutic protein in E. coli using a lac promoter-driven vector, a biotechnologist prematurely adds a high concentration of the inducer (IPTG) during the early log phase. This induces severe 'metabolic burden', leading to premature host cell lysis in the bioreactor. Which of the following represents the most significant challenge this will pose during downstream processing?
Options
- A.
Downstream processing will be simplified as the need for active cell disruption is eliminated, allowing direct extraction of the product.
- B.
Separation and purification will be severely compromised due to the release of endogenous host proteases and high levels of host cell protein (HCP) contamination.
- C.
The recombinant protein will undergo spontaneous denaturation due to the absence of the lac repressor protein in the culture medium.
- D.
Downstream processing will fail because the inducer (IPTG) will competitively inhibit the chromatographic resins used for purification.
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
PCR Primer Design|Restriction Enzyme Cleavage Physics|Ori Sequence Stringency
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often view cell lysis merely as a necessary mechanical step to release intracellular products.
The trap is failing to realize that uncontrolled, premature lysis in a bioreactor releases destructive endogenous proteases and massive HCP contamination, which severely complicates the separation and purification phases of downstream processing.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biotechnology : Principles and Processes - Class 12 |
| Concept | PCR Primer Design |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |