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Which of the following reasons would be inappropriate for using PCR?

A. Help in analyzing DNA of ancient remains of fossilized woolly mammoth

B. Help in analyzing the genome of a virus

C. Help in determining the DNA of a hair sample found at a crime scene

D. Help in transferring DNA from a plasmid containing GFP into E. coli

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Last updated date: 27th Apr 2024
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Answer
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Hint: Consider the purpose of PCR and its limitations.


Complete step-by-step Answer: PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction. It is a technique used to amplify DNA, which means making many copies of a specific DNA sequence. PCR is a very powerful tool that can be used for a variety of purposes, including:


  • Analyzing DNA from ancient remains

  • Analyzing the genome of a virus

  • Determining the DNA of a hair sample found at a crime scene


However, PCR cannot be used to transfer DNA from a plasmid containing GFP into E. coli. This is because PCR is used to amplify DNA, not to insert DNA into cells.


To insert DNA into cells, a technique called transformation is used. Transformation is a process in which bacteria take up DNA from the surrounding environment.


To transform E. coli with a plasmid containing GFP, the plasmid DNA is first mixed with the E. coli cells. The E. coli cells are then treated with heat shock, which makes their cell membranes more permeable. This allows the plasmid DNA to enter the E. coli cells.


Once the plasmid DNA is inside the E. coli cells, it can replicate and be expressed. This means that the E. coli cells will produce the GFP protein, which will make them glow green


Hence the correct answer is Option D


Note: PCR is a very versatile technique that can be used for a variety of purposes, but it is important to understand its limitations. PCR cannot be used to insert DNA into cells, so it cannot be used to transform E. coli with a plasmid containing GFP.