Question

The phenomenon of alpha complementation is __________

(a) α + β = ω

(b) α = β + ω

(c) β = α + ω

(d) It is either α + β = ω or β = α + ω

This question was addressed to me in an interview for job.

My question comes from Cloning using a Simple Plasmid and Alpha Complementation in chapter Simple Cloning of Genetic Engineering

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) α + β = ω

The explanation: Alpha complementation is the phenomenon of having the alpha and beta subunit combining to give the omega subunit. These are the different genes of the lac operon.