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NEET 2023 Zoology Question 170 Solution

Topic: Biotechnology: Principles and Processes · Official NTA Booklet Code G5

Question

Which of the following is not a cloning vector?

(1)Probe
(2)BAC
(3)YAC
(4)pBR322

✓

Verified Against NTA Final Answer Key

Option (1) : Probe

📚 Biotechnology: Principles and Processes Easy

📋 Given Parameters & Problem Setup

Criterion Entity that is NOT a cloning vector

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The 30-Second Exam Hall Shortcut: ⚡ Vector vs. Probe Category Distinction

⏱️ Save ~20 seconds

A cloning vector is a vehicle used to carry foreign DNA into a host cell (pBR322 plasmid, BAC, YAC). A Probe is a labeled single-stranded DNA/RNA fragment used for molecular hybridization detection, NOT for gene cloning! Match Option (1) Probe!

1 pBR322: Classic engineered E. coli plasmid cloning vector.

2 BAC: Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (vector for cloning large DNA fragments up to 300 kb in HGP).

3 YAC: Yeast Artificial Chromosome (vector for cloning huge fragments up to 1 Mb in HGP).

4 Probe: Radioactive or fluorescent single-stranded oligonucleotide used to find complementary sequences.

5 Match Option (1) Probe.

🛡️

Why You Can 100% Trust This Shortcut: Canonical NCERT Biotechnology cloning vehicles vs. molecular diagnostics classification.

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Step-by-Step Rigorous Workflow & Mathematical Proof

Step 1

Definition of a Cloning Vector

A cloning vector is a self-replicating DNA molecule engineered with an origin of replication (ori), selectable markers, and unique cloning restriction sites to ferry foreign DNA into a recipient host cell:

\text{Cloning Vectors} = \begin{cases} \text{Plasmids} & (\text{e.g., pBR322, pUC19}) \\[2pt] \text{Bacteriophages} & (\lambda\text{ phage, M13}) \\[2pt] \text{Artificial Chromosomes} & (\mathbf{\text{BAC, YAC}}) \end{cases}

Step 2

Definition and Nature of a Probe

In molecular genetics, a probe is a single-stranded stretch of DNA or RNA tagged with a radioactive molecule ( $^{32}\text{P}$ ) or fluorophore. It is allowed to hybridize to its complementary DNA in a clone of cells followed by detection using autoradiography:

\text{\textbf{Probe}} \iff \text{Tagged ssDNA/RNA hybridization detector} \quad \neq \quad \text{Cloning Vector}

Step 3

Verbatim NCERT Reference

NCERT states under Molecular Diagnosis: "A single stranded DNA or RNA, tagged with a radioactive molecule (probe) is allowed to hybridise to its complementary DNA in a clone of cells followed by detection using autoradiography."

⭐

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4-Option Deep Scan

1 1

✓ 100% Correct

Verdict & Scientific Reason:

A probe is a hybridization diagnostic tool, not a cloning vector; correct answer to the negative prompt.

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Why this is airtight: None; precise molecular biotechnology category distinction.

2 2

✗ Incorrect

Verdict & Scientific Reason:

BAC (Bacterial Artificial Chromosome) is a specialized high-capacity cloning vector used in HGP.

⚠️

Student Fallacy (Why candidates pick this trap): Thinking BAC is an acronym for an analytical instrument.

3 3

✗ Incorrect

Verdict & Scientific Reason:

YAC (Yeast Artificial Chromosome) is an established eukaryotic cloning vector used in genomic sequencing.

⚠️

Student Fallacy (Why candidates pick this trap): Confusing yeast chromosomes with non-vector reagents.

4 4

✗ Incorrect

Verdict & Scientific Reason:

pBR322 is the textbook prototypical plasmid cloning vector of E. coli.

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Student Fallacy (Why candidates pick this trap): Failing to eliminate the classic plasmid vector.

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NTA Trap Alert: HGP Vectors (BAC / YAC) vs. Reagents Trap

Students unfamiliar with Human Genome Project methodologies often doubt BAC and YAC as vectors and guess them incorrectly.

🛡️ How to avoid the -1 mark: Remember: BAC and YAC were the two major specialized vectors used in the Human Genome Project.

📖

Core NEET Syllabus Standard

NCERT Biology · Biotechnology: Principles and Processes Standard Benchmark

Core Scientific Principle Tested:

"Plasmids and bacteriophages are vectors used for cloning. A probe is a single stranded DNA/RNA tagged with a radioactive molecule used for identification, not a vector."

Syllabus Focus: Cloning Vectors

✓ Core NEET UG Syllabus Anchor Syllabus & Academic Standards ↗

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Vector Anatomy & Features (Ori, Selectable Marker, Cloning Site, Transformation)

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NEET 2023 Zoology Question 170 Solution

Question

The 30-Second Exam Hall Shortcut: ⚡ Vector vs. Probe Category Distinction

Step-by-Step Rigorous Workflow & Mathematical Proof

Definition of a Cloning Vector

Definition and Nature of a Probe

Verbatim NCERT Reference

360° Option Elimination Engine Key Feature

NTA Trap Alert: HGP Vectors (BAC / YAC) vs. Reagents Trap

Core NEET Syllabus Standard

Ready to attempt under real exam pressure?

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