Question

Which of the following describes the function of a selectable marker in a cloning vector?

Options

• It encodes restriction enzymes that cleave foreign viral DNA

• It allows the selection of cells carrying the vector by identifying transformants and non-transformants

• It provides the position where foreign DNA can be inserted

• It initiates the replication of the vector inside the host cell

Answer 1

A selectable marker is a gene that helps identify transformants and non-transformants, thereby allowing the selection of cells that carry the vector (e.g., antibiotic resistance genes).