Question

1. what is the role of a plasmid in genetic engineering?

a) to break down dna
b) to replicate bacterial dna
c) to act as a vector for gene transfer
d) to synthesize proteins

Explanation:

Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules in bacteria. In genetic engineering, they are used as vectors. A vector's role is to carry foreign DNA (the gene of interest) into a host cell (like a bacterial cell). Once inside, the host cell can replicate the plasmid (and thus the foreign DNA). Breaking down DNA is done by enzymes like restriction enzymes. Replicating bacterial DNA is the normal function of the bacterial replication machinery. Synthesizing proteins is the role of ribosomes (using mRNA as a template).

Answer:

C. To act as a vector for gene transfer