Which of the following enzyme(s) are NOT essential for gene cloning?
A. Restriction enzymes
B. DNA l

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Question

Which of the following enzyme(s) are NOT essential for gene cloning?
A. Restriction enzymes
B. DNA ligase
C. DNA mutase
D. DNA recombinase
E. DNA polymerase
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(1) B and C only
(2) C and D only
(3) A and B only
(4) D and E only

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: B — C and D onlyStep-by-step Solution:Gene cloning involves isolating a specific gene, inserting it into a vector, introducing it into a host cell, and allowing it to replicate. The key enzymes involved are:A. Restriction enzymes (Restriction endonucleases) — ESSENTIAL: These are the 'molecular scissors' that cut DNA at specific palindromic sequences, generating fragments with sticky ends or blunt ends. They are used to cut both the gene of interest and the vector at compatible sites. Without restriction enzymes, gene cloning as conventionally performed is impossible.B. DNA ligase — ESSENTIAL: DNA ligase is the 'molecular glue' that seals the phosphodiester bonds between the insert DNA and the vector, forming a recombinant DNA molecule. Without ligase, the insert cannot be stably joined to the vector.C. DNA mutase — NOT ESSENTIAL (doesn't exist as such): 'DNA mutase' is not a standard enzyme used in gene cloning. While enzymes called 'mutases' exist in metabolism (e.g., phosphoglycerate mutase, which shifts phosphate groups between positions), no enzyme called 'DNA mutase' is essential for gene cloning. This is a fictitious/incorrect enzyme name in this context.D. DNA recombinase — NOT ESSENTIAL for basic gene cloning: Recombinases (e.g., Cre recombinase, Flp recombinase) catalyze site-specific recombination at specific DNA sequences (lox sites, FRT sites). While they are used in specialized cloning systems (Gateway cloning, Cre-lox systems), they are NOT essential for basic conventional gene cloning (restriction enzyme-based cloning).E. DNA polymerase — ESSENTIAL (indirectly): DNA polymerase is used in PCR to amplify the gene of interest before cloning; also used in fill-in reactions (e.g., converting 5' overhangs to blunt ends). It is considered essential for modern cloning workflows.Extended Explanation:Basic steps of gene cloning: (1) Isolation of gene of interest (by PCR using DNA polymerase, or direct isolation using restriction enzymes); (2) Cutting the gene and vector with compatible restriction enzymes; (3) Ligation of gene into vector using DNA ligase; (4) Transformation of the recombinant vector into a host cell (e.g., E. coli); (5) Selection of recombinant colonies (using antibiotic resistance markers, blue-white screening); (6) Verification (colony PCR, restriction analysis, sequencing). The three essential tools of recombinant DNA technology are: restriction enzymes, DNA ligase, and vectors.Key Concepts: Gene cloning, restriction enzymes, DNA ligase, DNA polymerase, recombinase, essential vs non-essential tools, recombinant DNA technology.

Which of the following enzyme(s) are NOT essential for gene cloning? A. Restriction enzymes B. DNA ligase C. DNA mutase D. DNA recombinase E. DNA polymerase Choose the correct answer from the options given below: (1) B and C only (2) C and D only (3) A and B only (4) D and E only

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Which of the following enzyme(s) are NOT essential for gene cloning? A. Restriction enzymes B. DNA ligase C. DNA mutase D. DNA recombinase E. DNA polymerase Choose the correct answer from the options given below: (1) B and C only (2) C and D only (3) A and B only (4) D and E only

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