Final answer:
Reporter genes, such as GFP and β-galactosidase, are used in cloning to visualize DNA insertion and monitor gene expression patterns. The lacZ gene enables the production of blue colonies on X-gal-containing media, while GFP fluoresces under ultraviolet light exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reporter genes, such as the genes encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) and β-galactosidase, are commonly used in cloning as genes that allow researchers to visualize DNA insertion and monitor gene expression patterns. These reporter genes can be used to identify host cells that contain recombinant plasmids with cloned DNA fragments from cells that only contain the non-recombinant plasmid vector. For example, the lacZ gene encoding β-galactosidase can degrade X-gal, producing blue colonies on X-gal-containing media, while GFP can fluoresce under ultraviolet light exposure.