In genetic engineering, the highly active plasmid from Agrobacterium tumefaciens is used to __________.

• A. cut DNA at a specific base sequence
• B. locate specific genes on animal chromosomes
• C. detect and correct mistakes in DNA replication
• D. All of the listed responses are correct.
• E. insert genes of interest into plant chromosomes

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of Agrobacterium tumefaciens in genetic engineering. It is a bacterium that naturally transfers DNA to plants, making it a useful tool for inserting genes into plant chromosomes.
2. Recognize that plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules that can replicate independently of chromosomal DNA. In genetic engineering, plasmids can be modified to carry specific genes of interest.
3. Identify that the highly active plasmid from Agrobacterium tumefaciens is specifically used to insert genes of interest into plant chromosomes, rather than cutting DNA, locating genes on animal chromosomes, or correcting DNA replication errors.
4. Consider the mechanism: the plasmid is engineered to include the gene of interest, and then it is introduced into the plant cells where it integrates into the plant's genome.
5. Conclude that while the other options describe different genetic engineering techniques, the primary use of Agrobacterium tumefaciens plasmids is to facilitate the insertion of genes into plant chromosomes.