Identify the enzyme used for the isolation of genetic material from fungal cells.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Chitinase
To isolate DNA, the cell wall is broken with an enzyme that suits the kind of wall. The fungal cell wall is made of chitin.
Option (1) Lysozyme — Incorrect. Lysozyme is used for bacteria.
Option (2) Pepsin — Incorrect. Pepsin is a protein-digesting enzyme of the stomach; it does not break cell walls.
Option (3) Cellulase — Incorrect. Cellulase is used for plant cells.
Option (4) Chitinase — Correct. To release DNA, the cell wall must first be broken by an enzyme suited to it. The fungal cell wall is made of chitin, so chitinase is used for fungal cells; lysozyme is used for bacteria and cellulase for plant cells.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2023 on 12-06-2023 (Slot 2).
NCERT Extract:
Isolation of the Genetic Material (DNA) – “… Since the DNA is enclosed within the membranes, we have to break the cell open to release DNA along with other macromolecules such as RNA, proteins, polysaccharides and also lipids. This can be achieved by treating the bacterial cells/plant or animal tissue with enzymes such as lysozyme (bacteria), cellulase (plant cells), chitinase (fungus).”