Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Principles of genetic technology
Principles of genetic technology — practice question
Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is a compact protein that gives off intense green fluorescence when it is illuminated with blue light. It was first isolated from the jellyfish, $Aequorea$ $victoria.$ The gene coding for GFP can be expressed in bacteria, such as $Escherichia$ $coli,$ so it is commonly used as a marker to indicate that a gene has been successfully taken up by the bacterium.
(a(i))[3]
Outline how a gene from another species can be introduced into $E.$ $coli.$
(a(ii))[3]
Explain how a marker gene, such as the gene for GFP, can be used to demonstrate successful uptake of a gene for a wanted protein.
(b)[2]
Genes for enzymes that generate fluorescent products are often used as markers in gene technology. GFP is not an enzyme. Suggest one disadvantage of using the gene for GFP to create easily detected fluorescence instead of using a gene for an enzyme that makes a fluorescent substance. Explain your answer.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “The gene is isolated” …