Bacterial gene transfer is also used in the lab to introduce genes into organisms of different species, genera, phyla, or even kingdoms or domains. A major example is the use of a Ti plasmid of the soil bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens to transfer genes into dicotyledonous plants. The bacterium infects the plant root in the soil and transfers some of the Ti plasmid genes (T DNA)into the plant nucleus. Recombination may occur, and T DNA expression is controlled by plant compounds generated in response to wounding and infection. This method can be used to introduce a gene for an antigenic protein into an edible plant, such as a potato, to produce an edible vaccine (e.g., for cholera). What has to be made a part of the Ti plasmid?
A)a gene for cholera resistance
B)a gene for a subunit of cholera toxin, including its regulatory elements
C)a gene for that part of the human immune system that neutralizes cholera
D)a molecule of anti-cholera antibody
E)a polypeptide that can attach the T DNA to plant DNA

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A gene for a subunit of cholera toxin, including its regulatory elements, is required to produce an edible vaccine for cholera. This gene can be inserted into the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens and transferred into an edible plant, which will then produce the antigenic protein that will act as a vaccine against cholera.

Bacterial Gene Transfer Is Also Used in the Lab to Introduce