When plasmids are used to produce a desired protein,the ______.
A) plasmids multiply and produce the protein outside of the bacterium
B) bacterial chromosome is genetically engineered and the plasmid is used to help the bacterium replicate
C) desired gene is inserted into the plasmid and the plasmid is taken up by the bacterium
D) bacterial genome and plasmid are inserted into the genome of the cell containing the desired gene (perhaps the cell of a plant or animal)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To produce a desired protein using plasmids, the desired gene is first inserted into the plasmid, and then the plasmid is taken up by the bacterium. The plasmid then uses the bacterium's cellular processes to produce the desired protein. This is a common technique in biotechnology, known as recombinant DNA technology. Option A is incorrect because plasmids do not produce proteins themselves, but rather carry the gene encoding the protein. Option B is incorrect because the bacterial chromosome is not always genetically engineered in this process, and the plasmid is not used to help the bacterium replicate. Option D is incorrect because the plasmid and bacterial genome are not necessarily inserted into the genome of another cell.

When Plasmids Are Used to Produce a Desired Protein,the ______