What does the term 'clone' refer to in molecular cloning?

What does the term 'clone' refer to in molecular cloning?

• A. A mutated single nucleotide
• B. A population of cells with genetic diversity
• C. A genetically identical copy of a DNA fragment inserted into a host cell
• D. A plasmid lacking an origin of replication

Answer: (C)

In molecular cloning, a clone is an identical copy of a DNA fragment produced inside a host cell. The DNA fragment is inserted into a vector and introduced into the host, and as the host cells divide, they replicate the recombinant DNA, generating many cells that all carry the same fragment. This creates a population of cells that are genetically identical with respect to that DNA fragment. This differs from a mutated single nucleotide, which is a change at one position rather than an exact copy. It also differs from a population with genetic diversity, which would not be cloned. And a plasmid without an origin of replication cannot be maintained or copied by the host, so it cannot form a clone.

In molecular cloning, a clone is an identical copy of a DNA fragment produced inside a host cell. The DNA fragment is inserted into a vector and introduced into the host, and as the host cells divide, they replicate the recombinant DNA, generating many cells that all carry the same fragment. This creates a population of cells that are genetically identical with respect to that DNA fragment.

This differs from a mutated single nucleotide, which is a change at one position rather than an exact copy. It also differs from a population with genetic diversity, which would not be cloned. And a plasmid without an origin of replication cannot be maintained or copied by the host, so it cannot form a clone.