Question

Which structure is involved in genetic engineering?
A) Plastid
B) Plasmid
C) Codon
D) None of the above

Answer 1

Hint:Genetic engineering is also called genetic modification or genetic manipulation. Genetic engineering is a process in which we use recombinant DNA technology to alter the genetic makeup of an organism.

Complete answer:
Plastid : Plastid is a membrane bound cell organelle which is found in the cells of plants, algae and other eukaryotic organisms.Plastids are discovered and named by Ernst Hackel. They are the site of manufacture or storage of important chemical compounds that are used by the cells of autotrophic eukaryotes.The plastids contain pigments and determine the cell’s colour.They possess a double stranded circular DNA molecule.
Plasmid : Plasmid is a small, extrachromosomal DNA molecule.This molecule of DNA is physically separated from the chromosomal DNA and can replicate independently.They are the double stranded DNA molecules found in the bacteria.Plasmid carry genes that may be beneficial for the survival of other organisms such as antibiotic resistance gene.Plasmids are used as vector in the molecular cloning or genetic engineering techniques.Plasmid may be introduced into the desired cell by transformation.
Codon :A codon is a trinucleotide sequence of DNA or RNA that code for a specific amino acid.The genetic code describes the relation between the sequence of DNA bases (Adenine, Cytosine, Thymine, Guanine) in a gene.There are 64 different codons present out of which 61 codons are used as specific amino acids and remaining 3 codons are used as stop signals.
herefore, it has been clear from the above discussion that Plasmid is involved in genetic engineering.

Hence, option B is the correct answer.

Note: The organisms that are generated from genetic engineering are called genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The first genetically modified organism was a bacterium which was generated by Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen in 1973. Flavr Savr tomato was the first plant that was genetically engineered. The rise of commercialized genetically modified crops has provided economic benefits for the farmers.