The Question is from neet-botany biotechnology , and it was created by the author D VINOD

Question

In genetically engineered insulin production, what is the role of β-galactosidase?

D VINOD · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: A
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Genetic engineering of insulin production
 **Related Topics**: Recombinant DNA technology, bacterial transformation, lac operon
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of plasmids, restriction enzymes, bacterial gene expression, and the role of selection markers.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks about the role of β-galactosidase in genetically engineered insulin production.
  β-galactosidase is an enzyme commonly used in molecular biology.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Identify the common use of β-galactosidase in gene cloning and expression systems.
  Reasoning: β-galactosidase is often used in conjunction with lacZ gene which is part of the lac operon in E. coli.  Disrupting the lacZ gene is a common method for screening successful transformation.
  Formula/Rule: N/A
 2. Determine how this relates to the selection of transformed bacteria in insulin production.
  Working:  In insulin production, a plasmid containing the insulin gene is introduced into bacteria.  The plasmid often includes a lacZ gene. Successful uptake of the plasmid disrupts the lacZ gene, leading to a change in phenotype (e.g., inability to metabolize a specific substrate).  This change allows researchers to select for transformed bacteria that successfully incorporated the insulin gene.
  Key Point: The β-galactosidase activity is used as a *negative* selection marker; its absence indicates successful transformation.
 3. Conclude the role of β-galactosidase.
  Result: β-galactosidase serves as a selection marker for transformed bacteria, allowing for the identification of bacteria that successfully took up the plasmid containing the insulin gene.
  Verification:  The absence of β-galactosidase activity confirms successful insertion of the insulin gene into the plasmid, thereby disrupting the lacZ gene.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A] ✓: β-galactosidase is used as a selectable marker.  The disruption of its activity indicates successful plasmid uptake and therefore successful insulin gene insertion.
B] :x: Proinsulin cleavage is performed by other enzymes, not β-galactosidase.
[C] :x: β-galactosidase doesn't directly promote insulin gene transcription.  Promoters and other regulatory elements control transcription.
[D] :x: β-galactosidase doesn't facilitate plasmid uptake.  Transformation mechanisms (e.g., heat shock, electroporation) are responsible for plasmid uptake.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing β-galactosidase's role with other enzymes involved in insulin processing: Remember that β-galactosidase is primarily a selection marker, not directly involved in insulin processing.
  2.Thinking it's a positive selection marker: It's a negative selection marker; its absence indicates successful transformation.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember the lac operon and its role in gene expression and selection.
  2. Associate β-galactosidase with blue-white screening, a common technique in molecular biology that uses this enzyme.

D VINOD · Answer

The correct Option is "Selection marker for transformed bacteria"

D VINOD · Answer

Cleaves proinsulin into mature insulin

D VINOD · Answer

Promotes insulin gene transcription

D VINOD · Answer

Facilitates the uptake of the plasmid

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