Question

Promiscuous plasmids recognize a range of what?

1) Antibiotics
2) Genes
3) Proteins
4) Enzymes

Answer 1

Promiscuous plasmids can carry a variety of genes, including those that confer resistance to antibiotics and encode metabolic enzymes. They are key tools in molecular cloning and recombinant DNA technology for selecting transformed bacteria.

Step-by-step explanation:

Promiscuous plasmids can recognize and carry a broad range of genes. These genes may encode for various functions such as antibiotic resistance, enzymes for metabolic pathways like glycolysis, or enzymes for degrading unusual substances. Plasmids like pBR322 can confer resistance to antibiotics such as ampicillin and tetracycline by carrying genes that code for enzymes like ß-lactamase, which modifies ampicillin into a non-toxic form for the bacteria. This characteristic is exploited in the laboratory for the selection of bacteria that have taken up plasmids with recombinant DNA. When bacteria are cultured with ampicillin, only those that have acquired the plasmid with the resistance gene will survive. Additionally, plasmids may contain reporter genes, such as the gene for the enzyme β-galactosidase, which can be identified based on color changes on a substrate, providing an easy selection mechanism for recombinant bacteria.

Answer 2

Promiscuous plasmids recognize a range of genes (2).

Step-by-step explanation:

Promiscuous plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA molecules that have the ability to transfer genetic material between bacterial cells. In the context of the given question, these plasmids are particularly adept at recognizing and transferring a variety of genes (2). Unlike specialized plasmids that may carry only specific genes, promiscuous plasmids have a broader specificity, allowing them to transfer a diverse range of genetic information.

These plasmids play a crucial role in horizontal gene transfer, a process where genetic material is exchanged between different bacterial cells. The ability of promiscuous plasmids to recognize a range of genes is essential for their role in spreading advantageous traits, such as antibiotic resistance, among bacterial populations. This adaptability contributes to the survival and evolution of bacteria in challenging environments, where the acquisition of new genes can provide a competitive advantage.

Understanding the versatility of promiscuous plasmids in recognizing various genes underscores their significance in shaping bacterial genetic diversity. This adaptability is vital in the context of microbial evolution and has implications for fields such as medicine, where the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes can impact the effectiveness of antibiotic treatments. Overall, the recognition of a range of genes by promiscuous plasmids highlights their dynamic role in bacterial genetic exchange and adaptation.