Question

"One concern about the use of antibiotic resistance genes as markers for selection of successful transgenic events in plants, is that the resistance genes may be horizontally transferred which could mean that:"

-Antibiotic resistance protein can remain active in the gut and break down ingested antibiotic
-The resistance genes can be transferred to weedy plant varieties
-The ingested antibiotic resistance protein may be toxic or allergenic
-The resistance genes may get integrated in the human genome
-The resistance genes may be acquired by pathogenic gut microbes

Answer 1

The concern about using antibiotic resistance genes as markers in transgenic plants is that they may be horizontally transferred, leading to the spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment, increasing the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections, and potentially altering human genetic makeup.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concern about the use of antibiotic resistance genes as markers for selection of successful transgenic events in plants is that the resistance genes may be horizontally transferred. This can result in several potential issues:

1. The resistance genes can be transferred to weedy plant varieties, leading to the spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment.
2. The resistance genes may be acquired by pathogenic gut microbes, increasing the risk of antibiotic-resistant infections.
3. The resistance genes may get integrated in the human genome, potentially altering human genetic makeup and leading to unknown consequences.

These concerns highlight the importance of careful consideration and regulation when using antibiotic resistance genes as markers in transgenic plants.