Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Biotechnology -Principles and Processes

Question:

Read the following passage carefully and answer the given questions.

DNA recombinant technology involves the use of restriction endonucleases. After having cloned the gene of interest and having optimised the conditions to induce the expression of the target protein, one has to consider producing it on a large scale. The cells harbouring cloned genes of interest may be grown on a small scale in the laboratory. In order to link the alien DNA, the vector needs to have very few, preferably single, recognition sites for the commonly used restriction enzymes. Presence of more than one recognition sites within the vector will generate several fragments, which will complicate the gene cloning. In Biolistics or gene gun method cells are bombarded with high velocity micro particles of gold or tungsten coated with DNA. The ligation of alien DNA is carried out at a restriction site present in one of the two antibiotic resistance genes. For example, you can ligate a foreign DNA at the BamHI site of tetracycline resistance gene in the vector pBR322. 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. The RNA can be removed by treatment with ribonuclease whereas proteins can be removed by treatment with protease. Other molecules can be removed by appropriate treatments and purified DNA ultimately precipitates out after the addition of chilled ethanol.

Which one of the following enzymes should be used to break the bacterial cells for isolation of DNA?

Options:

Lysozyme

Cellulase

Chitinase

Carboxylase

Correct Answer:

Lysozyme

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (1) → Lysozyme 

In bacterial cells, the enzyme responsible for digesting the cell membrane is called lysozyme. Lysozyme is an enzyme that breaks down the peptidoglycan layer, which is a major component of the bacterial cell wall. By targeting and hydrolyzing the bonds in the peptidoglycan, lysozyme weakens the cell wall, causing the bacterial cell to lose its structural integrity and leading to cell lysis or bursting. This process is essential in various biological contexts, including the host defense against bacterial infections and in recombinant DNA technology during the isolation of plasmids from bacterial cells.