The plasmid map shows an origin of replication (ori), an ampicillin-resistance gene (amp^R), a multiple cloning site (MCS), and an EcoRI site.
Why is the amp^R gene important when cloning a foreign gene into this plasmid?
- A
It is the origin of replication for the plasmid.
- B
It cuts the foreign gene to insert it.
- C
It encodes the foreign protein of interest.
- Dcheck_circle
It serves as a selectable marker so only transformed bacteria grow on ampicillin plates.
Explanation
Selectable markers like amp^R allow researchers to grow only cells that took up the plasmid by plating on antibiotic-containing media. The ori drives replication; the MCS provides cloning sites.