To ensure that the host cell has taken up the plasmid, ampicillin, tetracycline and b-galactosidase tests

can be used.
To ensure which plasmid-containing host cell has the desired gene, gene probe is used. (p. 234 ACE)
DNA base sequence of the gene for the desired protein is known so that a section of that base sequence
can be radioactively labelled. This section of DNA with the correct base sequence is called a probe.
The DNA in the bacteria is "unzipped" so that it becomes single stranded and a probe would anneal
(attach) if there were complementary bases. The probe is added and sticks to the correct complementary
fragment. The correct fragment can now be identified, as it is radioactive. All bacteria in a colony have
been produced by the replication of one individual. They will all therefore have the same genes to
produce the same proteins. This colony can then be isolated and multiplied so that the protein is
synthesised and can be harvested for further use.


Hermaphrodite/monoecious/dioecious
When plants reproduce sexually (ie by forming a seed) there are three different arrangements of the male
and female sexual organs in terms of their distribution on the plant. These are:
Hermaphrodite
In these plants the flowers all have both male and female sexual organs. Roses are an example of a
hermaphrodite plant their flowers all contain both male stamen and female stigma so the likelihood is
that the egg will be fertilised by pollen from the same flower.
Monoecious
These plants, which include the common hazel Cornus avellana, have separate male and female flowers
but they grow on the same plant. These plants tend to rely on the wind for pollination, the very light male
pollen being blown onto the female flowers.
Dioecious
Some plants will only bear flowers with one genders sexual organs. Therefore the plants can be
considered male or female, and you will need one of each to obtain fruit and seed.


Advantages of dioecy and disadvantages of hermaphroditism
1. There is more genetic variability in offspring in dioecious organisms than hermaphrodites because of
presence of both maternal and paternal genetic material in offspring. Genetic variation is required for
natural selection to work upon and the more variable a population is, better are its chances to survive
unfavorable conditions.
2. Sexual selection is present in dioecious organisms. It can alter allele frequencies in populations thereby
causing microevolution.
Disadvantages of dioecy and advantages of hermaphroditism
1. No need to search for partner (no rituals, no fighting for mates) so less time consuming. Also if single
hermaphrodite individual survives unfavorable condition, a whole population can be born.