Transformation with intact circular plasmid DNA is a control to determine?
a) the selection efficiency
b)if the bacterial cells were competent
c) if ligation has occurred
d) if the bacteria being transformed is contaminated
e) if the vector was digested

Question

Transformation with intact circular plasmid DNA is a control to determine? 
a) the selection efficiency
b)if the bacterial cells were competent
c) if ligation has occurred
d) if the bacteria being transformed is contaminated
e) if the vector was digested

anonymous · Answer

Hi there,

I believe the answer is B. 

The process of transforming a bacteria with a recombinant plasmid is basically....cut your vector, cut out your desired gene, ligate the two together, make your bacteria "competent" (i.e., able to take in the recombinant plasmid), and then perform the transformation reaction.

By transforming your bacteria with a regular ol' plasmid, you're simply testing to see if the bacteria is able to take up *any DNA, regardless of whether its been recombined or not. Does this make sense?

anonymous · Answer

yeah thanks :)