Question

In order to use lacZ as a reporter gene, scientists use recombinant DNA technology to create a ______________ gene which contains the coding region of lacZ and the cis-acting regulatory regions of a different gene.

a) Fusion
b) Mutant
c) Chimera
d) Hybrid

Answer 1

To use lacZ as a reporter gene, scientists create a fusion gene containing the coding region of lacZ and the regulatory regions of another gene. The fusion gene allows for monitoring of gene expression through the activity of the lacZ gene product.

Step-by-step explanation:

To use lacZ as a reporter gene, scientists use recombinant DNA technology to create a fusion gene which contains the coding region of lacZ and the cis-acting regulatory regions of a different gene. This fusion gene allows the researcher to monitor gene expression by visualizing the activity of the lacZ gene product. The most common reporter gene used is the bacterial lacZ gene, which encodes beta-galactosidase and produces blue colonies on X-gal-containing media.