Question

Chemical transformation refers to the methods which use chemicals in order to carry out transformation. Which of the following statements is true with respect to it?

(a) Chemical transformation decreases the efficiency of transformation as compared to natural transformation

(b) Ice cold calcium solution followed by heat shock is responsible for affecting the efficiency of DNA uptake

(c) The mechanism responsible for it named as ‘the heat shock model’

(d) Other complex mixtures such as those containing Manganese and hexamine cobalt can’t be used to affect the efficiency

I have been asked this question in exam.

My doubt is from Transformation in chapter Basics of Genetic Engineering of Genetic Engineering

Answer 1

Right choice is (b) Ice cold calcium solution followed by heat shock is responsible for affecting the efficiency of DNA uptake

Explanation: Chemical transformation methods increase the DNA uptake efficiency as in comparison to natural methods. The treatment by ice cold calcium solution which is followed by heat shock is responsible for increasing efficiency. But the exact mechanism behind it is not known till now. Other complex mixtures which comprise of cobalt, manganese etc. can be used to increase the efficiency.