You are attempting to insert a gene for saltwater tolerance into a plant by using the Ti plasmid. In addition to the desired gene, you add a gene for tetracycline resistance (tet) to the plasmid. What is the purpose of the tet gene?

Verified step by step guidance

1. insert step 1> Understand the role of the Ti plasmid in genetic engineering. The Ti plasmid is commonly used to transfer genes into plants, as it naturally integrates into the plant genome.
2. insert step 2> Recognize the purpose of adding additional genes to the plasmid. In genetic engineering, additional genes are often included to serve as markers or reporters.
3. insert step 3> Identify the function of the tetracycline resistance (tet) gene. The tet gene provides resistance to the antibiotic tetracycline.
4. insert step 4> Determine how the tet gene can be used as a selectable marker. When the plant cells are exposed to tetracycline, only those that have successfully incorporated the plasmid (and thus the tet gene) will survive.
5. insert step 5> Conclude that the tet gene allows researchers to easily identify and select for plant cells that have been successfully transformed with the desired gene for saltwater tolerance.

Key Concepts

Ti Plasmid

The Ti plasmid, or tumor-inducing plasmid, is a naturally occurring plasmid found in the bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens. It is commonly used in genetic engineering to transfer genes into plant cells. The Ti plasmid integrates into the plant genome, allowing for stable expression of the inserted genes, which can include traits like saltwater tolerance.

Gene for Tetracycline Resistance

The tetracycline resistance gene (tet) is often used as a selectable marker in genetic engineering. It allows researchers to identify successfully transformed cells by providing resistance to the antibiotic tetracycline. Only those cells that have incorporated the plasmid with the tet gene will survive in the presence of the antibiotic, facilitating the selection of genetically modified plants.

Selectable Markers

Selectable markers are genes introduced into an organism to enable the identification of cells that have successfully taken up foreign DNA. They typically confer resistance to antibiotics or other selective agents. In the context of the Ti plasmid, the tet gene serves as a selectable marker, ensuring that only the plants that have integrated the desired gene and the tet gene can grow in a selective environment.