Problem: The ccdB gene, located on the F-plasmid of E. coli, is part of a toxin-antitoxin system encoded by the ccd operon, which is responsible for plasmid maintenance during cell division.
1. What do we call these plasmid maintenance systems in prokaryotes? Need Assignment Help?
2. How does the ccdB function in this particular system in E. coli, i.e., how does ccdB toxin kill the cell and what is the antitoxin?
3. The ccdB gene is also used in a versatile gene cloning system called GatewayÒ cloning technology. What is the role of the ccdB gene in this cloning technology?
4. If the ccdB gene encodes a toxin, how is it possible to propagate a plasmid containing this gene in E. coli without killing the cells?