Gene amplification

Question

Gene amplification

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gene amplification refers to the process of increasing the copy number of a specific gene or set of genes within a cell. This can occur naturally, for example, in cancer cells, or can be induced through experimental techniques such as plasmid transformation. Plasmids are small, circular pieces of DNA that replicate independently of the chromosome and can carry genes that provide an advantage to the host cell, such as resistance to antibiotics. Inducing plasmids to replicate at a rapid rate within cells can lead to gene amplification and an increase in the abundance of the desired gene product.

Gene Amplification