Chapter 21, Problem 9EQ

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

According to the procedure used for gene replacement in mice, can homologous recombination, that results in gene replacement, cause the integration of both TK and Neo^R genes? Explain why or why not. Describe how TK gene and Neo^R gene are used in a selection scheme that favors gene replacement.

Introduction:

Gene replacement is a technique used to make a gene mutation in the laboratory and introduction of the mutant gene into a living organism to compare the effects of the normal and mutant genes on the phenotype. To produce mice with gene replacement, a procedure is used to preferentially select cells in which homologous recombination has occurred, is devised. The cloned gene involves two selectable marker genes (Neo^R and TK) that influence whether or not mouse embryonic cells can grow in the presence of certain drugs.