Question

The gene to be disrupted is cloned and a selectable marker is inserted. What should be the effect of selectable marker?

(a) It should have no effect on target gene

(b) It should make the target gene non-functional

(c) There is no restriction; it can be either functional or non-functional

(d) It should improvise the chances of survival of the target gene

I have been asked this question in an international level competition.

This interesting question is from Choosing the Right Mutations, Database of Mutant Lines and Gene Disruption topic in section Modifications and Mutagenesis of Genetic Engineering

Answer 1

Correct option is (b) It should make the target gene non-functional

The best I can explain: In the target gene, a selectable marker should be inserted. It can be either in the form of ampicillin resistance or a nutritional marker. The selectable marker should render the target gene non-functional.