How is ligase used in the genetic modification of organisms?(1 point)
Responses
Ligase cuts two strands of DNA at the same place, creating a blunt end.
Ligase cuts two strands of DNA in different places, creating a sticky end.
Ligase changes out DNA that codes a bad trait for DNA that codes a good trait by swapping genes.
Ligase joins DNA strands together and inserts the desired DNA into bacteria.
Ligase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the genetic modification of organisms. It is used to join or "ligate" DNA strands together. One of the common methods of genetic modification involves inserting foreign or desired DNA into an organism's genome.
To use ligase in this process, scientists first isolate the desired DNA sequence they want to insert into the organism's genome. This DNA sequence is often obtained from another organism with a desirable trait that the scientists want to introduce.
Once the desired DNA sequence is isolated, it needs to be joined or ligated into the target organism's genome. This is where ligase comes into play. Ligase acts like a molecular "glue" that can join two DNA strands together.
To achieve this, ligase recognizes the loose ends of the DNA strands and catalyzes the formation of new chemical bonds between the sugar and phosphate molecules of the DNA backbone. By doing so, ligase effectively seals the DNA strands and creates a continuous DNA molecule.
In genetic modification, the ligated DNA molecule, containing the desired genetic information, is then introduced into the target organism, often through a process called transformation. This can involve inserting the ligated DNA into bacteria, which act as host organisms due to their ability to uptake and replicate foreign DNA.
Once inside the bacteria, the ligated DNA becomes integrated into the bacterial genome, allowing the organism to produce the desired trait encoded by the inserted DNA.
Therefore, the correct answer is: Ligase joins DNA strands together and inserts the desired DNA into bacteria.