Subtopic: Fundamentals of Downstream processing (chromatography, filtration)
Question Statement:
Which one of the following techniques/tools is NOT used for inserting a foreign
gene into a cell?
Options:
(A) DNA microarray
(B) Electroporation
(C) Gene gun
(D) Microinjection
Official Answer Key:
A
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Concept Analysis (GATE BT 2021 Q.19)**
**1. Governing Concept**:
- **Topic**: Genetic Engineering & Gene Transfer Techniques
- Methods for delivering/inserting foreign DNA into host cells:
- **Electroporation**: High-voltage electrical pulses create transient membrane pores for DNA uptake.
- **Gene gun (Biolistics)**: Microprojectiles (gold/tungsten particles coated with DNA) shot into target cells.
- **Microinjection**: Direct mechanical delivery of DNA into nucleus/cytoplasm via microscopic glass micropipette.
- **DNA microarray** is an analytical hybridization tool used to profile gene expression levels or genotype SNPs; it is **NOT a gene transfer method**.
**2. Option Analysis**:
- **Option (A) [DNA microarray] is CORRECT**: An analytical expression profiling platform, not a gene insertion tool.
- **Option (B) [Electroporation] is INCORRECT**: Established physical gene delivery method.
- **Option (C) [Gene gun] is INCORRECT**: Established biolistic transformation technique.
- **Option (D) [Microinjection] is INCORRECT**: Established mechanical transformation technique.
**3. Final Answer**:
- **Correct Choice**: **A**
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