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Biology Question 106 – NEET-UG 2024

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What is the fate of a piece of DNA carrying only gene of interest which is transferred into an alien organism? A. The piece of DNA would be able to multiply itself independently in the progeny cells of the organism. B. It may get integrated into the genome of the recipient. C. It may multiply and be inherited along with the host DNA. D. The alien piece of DNA is not an integral part of chromosome. E. It shows ability to replicate. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

For a piece of DNA to replicate and be inherited in a host cell, it typically requires an origin of replication (ori) or integration into the host's genome.

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Ninja Strategy•Replication Requirement Analysis

Recognize that a DNA fragment without an origin of replication cannot multiply independently, immediately eliminating options that suggest independent replication (A and E), leaving B and C as the most logical pair describing integration and subsequent inheritance.

Step 1: Analyze the DNA's characteristics and replication needs✦ Active

The question states that the DNA piece carries "only gene of interest". This implies it lacks an origin of replication (ori), which is a specific DNA sequence required for the initiation of DNA replication. Without an ori, a piece of DNA cannot replicate independently within a host cell.

💡 Teacher's Secret Hint

Remember that an origin of replication is crucial for autonomous replication of DNA molecules like plasmids.

Step 2: Evaluate each statement (A-E)○ Expand

A. "The piece of DNA would be able to multiply itself independently..." - False, because it lacks an ori. B. "It may get integrated into the genome of the recipient." - True. This is a common fate for foreign DNA without an ori; it can integrate into the host chromosome through recombination. C. "It may multiply and be inherited along with the host DNA." - True. If the foreign DNA integrates into the host genome (as in B), it becomes part of the host chromosome and will be replicated and inherited along with the host DNA during cell division. D. "The alien piece of DNA is not an integral part of chromosome." - This describes its initial state, not necessarily its ultimate fate. Its fate could be to become an integral part (B). E. "It shows ability to replicate." - False, in the context of independent replication within the host cell without an ori. While DNA has the potential to replicate, it needs an ori to initiate replication autonomously in a cellular environment.

💡 Teacher's Secret Hint

Distinguish between the potential for replication and the actual ability to replicate independently within a cell.

Step 3: Identify the correct combination of statements○ Expand

Based on the evaluation, statements B and C are correct and describe a plausible fate for the foreign DNA. If it integrates (B), it will then be replicated and inherited along with the host DNA (C). Therefore, the combination 'B and C only' is the correct answer.

💡 Teacher's Secret Hint

Look for statements that are logically connected or describe sequential events in the fate of the DNA.

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