Section 3: Genetics, Cellular and Molecular Biology
Recombinant DNA technology
Subtopic: Fundamentals of Recombinant DNA technology
Question Statement:
Which one of the following is an insect cell line?
Options:
(A) HEK 293
(B) Sf9
(C) DH5α
(D) CHO
Official Answer Key:
B
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Concept Analysis (GATE BT 2024 Q.22)**
**1. Governing Concept**:
- **Topic**: Animal Biotechnology & Cell Culture Systems
- **Sf9** (*Spodoptera frugiperda*, fall armyworm ovarian cell line) is an established **insect cell line** widely utilized in baculovirus expression vector systems (BEVS) for recombinant protein production.
- HEK 293 and CHO are mammalian cell lines; DH5$\alpha$ is an *E. coli* bacterial cloning strain.
**2. Option Analysis**:
- **Option (A) [HEK 293] is INCORRECT**: Human Embryonic Kidney 293 is a human (mammalian) cell line.
- **Option (B) [Sf9] is CORRECT**: Derived from the pupal ovarian tissue of *Spodoptera frugiperda* (insect).
- **Option (C) [DH5α] is INCORRECT**: A standard laboratory strain of *Escherichia coli* (bacterium).
- **Option (D) [CHO] is INCORRECT**: Chinese Hamster Ovary is a rodent (mammalian) cell line.
**3. Final Answer**:
- **Correct Choice**: **B**
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