Question

Synthetic nucleic acids are produced ______

A) by a series of chemical steps carried out on the lab bench.
B) by PCR of the desired sequence.
C) using computer-controlled machines to assemble a single strand nucleic acid.
D) using a recombinant cell which produces a transcript of the desired sequence.
E) using restriction enzymes to cut a fragment out of a plasmid containing the desired sequence.

Answer 1

Synthetic nucleic acids are most commonly produced C) using computer-controlled machines that allow for the precise assembly of a single-stranded nucleic acid with any desired sequence.

Step-by-step explanation:

Synthetic nucleic acids are produced using computer-controlled machines to assemble a single strand nucleic acid. By employing automated and computer-controlled machinery known as synthesizers, researchers can construct single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules with any desired sequence. These synthetic strands of nucleic acids can be used for various applications in biotechnology, such as gene cloning, the creation of DNA probes, and the development and treatment of genetic disorders. Techniques such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) are pivotal for amplifying specific DNA sequences and are often employed post-synthesis for multiple applications, including cloning and diagnostic analysis. However, the actual synthesis of new nucleic acid sequences is achieved through chemical synthesis orchestrated by these machines.