What is the purpose of using a selectable marker in genetic engineering? (2023)

What is the purpose of using a selectable marker in genetic engineering? (2023)

Step 1: In genetic engineering, scientists want to add new DNA to cells.
Step 2: Not all cells will take up the new DNA; some will remain unchanged.
Step 3: To find out which cells have successfully taken up the new DNA, scientists use a selectable marker.
Step 4: A selectable marker is a gene that gives the cell a special ability, like resistance to an antibiotic.
Step 5: Scientists then add the antibiotic to the environment.
Step 6: Only the cells that have the selectable marker (and thus the new DNA) will survive the antibiotic.
Step 7: Researchers can easily identify and study these surviving cells.

No concepts available.