Question

question 1 of 10
why would a scientist add a fluorescent jellyfish gene to a plasmid?
a. to determine if plasmid transformation has been successful
b. to provide a way to insert the plasmid into the bacterium
c. to ensure that the bacterial gene is incorporated into a plasmid
d. to make the gene easier to photograph

Explanation:

Fluorescent genes (like the jellyfish gene) are often used as reporter genes. When added to a plasmid, if the plasmid transformation into a host cell (e.g., bacteria) is successful, the cell will express the fluorescent protein (due to the jellyfish gene). This fluorescence can be easily detected (e.g., under a fluorescence microscope), allowing scientists to visually confirm that the plasmid (and thus the genes it carries, including potentially other genes of interest) has been taken up by the cell.

• Option B: Inserting a plasmid into a bacterium is typically done via methods like heat - shock or electroporation, not by adding a fluorescent jellyfish gene.
• Option C: Incorporating a bacterial gene into a plasmid is usually done using restriction enzymes and DNA ligase (for cutting and pasting DNA), not by adding a fluorescent jellyfish gene.
• Option D: While the fluorescent protein from the jellyfish gene can be photographed, the main scientific purpose is to act as a marker for successful transformation, not just for photography.

Answer:

A. To determine if plasmid transformation has been successful