Final answer:
The most appropriate tube to use for cloning the gene encoding the proinsulin C-peptide is the third tube, as it contains purified mRNA from pancreatic β-cells during the absorptive state, likely having active proinsulin production.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most appropriate tube to use for cloning the gene encoding the proinsulin C-peptide is the third tube. This tube contains purified mRNA isolated from pancreatic β-cells from a patient during the absorptive state.
During the absorptive state, pancreatic β-cells are likely to have active proinsulin production, making it the ideal source for cloning the proinsulin C-peptide gene.