Question

Predict the outcome of an experiment where a plasmid without a selectable marker was used as a vector.

Hint:

Common selectable markers in pBR322 are amp\(^R\) and {tet\(^R\).

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Selectable markers (like antibiotic resistance genes) are essential to identify transformed cells.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Without a selectable marker, there is no way to selectively kill the cells that did not take up the plasmid.
Both recombinant and non-recombinant cells will grow on the medium, making it impossible for the scientist to isolate the desired recombinant cells.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The experiment fails because selection of transformants is not possible.