Question:

In pBR 322 plasmid the tetracycline antibiotic resistance gene has the recognition site for which of the following restriction enzymes.
I. PVU I
II. Sal I
III. BamH I
IV. Pst I

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Memory aid for pBR322:
Tetracycline (\(tet^{r}\)) = BamH I & Sal I (Think: "T-B-S" $\rightarrow$ Tetracycline, Bam, Sal).
Ampicillin (\(amp^{r}\)) = Pst I & Pvu I (Think: "A-P-P" $\rightarrow$ Ampicillin, Pst, Pvu).
Updated On: Jul 22, 2026
  • I and IV
  • I and II
  • II and IV
  • II and III
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the specific restriction enzymes that have unique recognition sites within the tetracycline resistance gene (\(tet^{r}\)) of the cloning vector pBR322.

Step 2: Key Concepts and Approach:
The plasmid pBR322 is a widely used cloning vector in genetic engineering.
It contains two antibiotic resistance genes as selectable markers:
1. Ampicillin resistance gene (\(amp^{r}\))
2. Tetracycline resistance gene (\(tet^{r}\))

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

Tetracycline Resistance Gene (\(tet^{r}\)): This gene contains unique cloning sites for the restriction endonucleases BamH I and Sal I.
Inserting a foreign DNA fragment at either of these sites disrupts the gene.
This causes the host cell to lose its tetracycline resistance, a process known as insertional inactivation.

Ampicillin Resistance Gene (\(amp^{r}\)): This gene contains unique recognition sites for the restriction enzymes Pst I and Pvu I.
Inserting foreign DNA here inactivates ampicillin resistance instead.


Step 4: Final Answer:
The restriction sites located within the \(tet^{r}\) gene are for Sal I (II) and BamH I (III).
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