A scientist isolated the Hepatitis B surface protein gene and introduced it into the DNA of a banana plant. The scientist tested
the bananas and found that they now contained the Hepatitis surface protein. What conclusion is supported by the results of the experiment? A. The gene for surface protein was transcribed and translated.
B. The gene for surface protein mutated inside the banana plant’s cells.
C. The gene for surface protein altered the function of other banana genes.
D. The gene for surface protein protected banana plants from bacterial infections.
A. The gene for surface protein was transcribed and translated.
Explanation:
Because all living organisms use the same genetic code, it is possible to express genes from one organism in the other. In this case, the DNA sequence that corresponds to the hepatitis B surface protein gene has been inserted into the banana, and the protein is expressed.
For the protein to be expressed, the gene must have been successfully transcribed into an mRNA by the banana plant machinery. This mRNA has then been translated into a protein that means the hepatitis B surface protein is now present in the cell.
