Question

A scientist wishing to create an organism capable of breaking down several kinds of toxic waste combines genes from several species of bacteria to create a single "superbacterium." Which of the following would be needed for this project?

1) nucleic acid probes
2) plasmids
3) all of the above
4) DNA ligase
5) restriction enzymes

Answer 1

To create a "superbacterium" for breaking down toxic waste, scientists would need plasmids, DNA ligase, and restriction enzymes, as all these components are used in recombinant DNA technology. Option 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

To create a "superbacterium" capable of breaking down toxic waste, a scientist would need several tools and techniques from the field of biotechnology. These include plasmids, DNA ligase, and restriction enzymes. Plasmids serve as vectors to carry foreign genes into host bacteria.

Restriction enzymes are used to cut both the plasmid DNA and the foreign gene in such a way that they can be joined together. DNA ligase is then used to seal, or ligate, the foreign genes into the plasmid vector. Once the recombinant plasmids are introduced back into bacteria, these bacteria can now carry and express the new genes.

Therefore, the answer to the student's question is 3) all of the above, as all these components are necessary for creating a genetically modified organism with such abilities.

So Option 3 is correct.