Chapter 27, Problem 1DA

Data analysis If the excision of an F plasmid Is not precise, and some f coli DNA is added to the F plasmid, what are the consequences when this plasmid is transferred to a new cell?

Summary Introduction

To determine: The consequences of plasmid transference if the plasmid excision is not precise.

Introduction: The exchange of F plasmid takes place from the F⁺, which is a donor, to the F^- that acts as the recipient. The F factor is transferred by the process called conjugation. The F plasmid has genes that are required for conjugation as well as infer some additional properties to the bacteria.

Explanation of Solution

The plasmid and the fragments of the genetic material can be excised with the help of specific enzymes known as restriction nucleases. These can be endonuclease or exonuclease. The plasmids need to be excised precisely so that the sticky ends or the complementary sequence ends can bind with the genetic material of the host organisms.

If the plasmid is not cut precisely then the frequency of the plasmids to combine with the genetic material of the bacteria (E.coli) will be reduced significantly. The few plasmids that have joined themselves to the bacterial genome will be very difficult to identify as the boundaries of the plasmid and the host genome will not be accurately known. To prevent such errors the endonuclease that makes precise cuts are preferred for cutting the plasmid and the host’s DNA.