Which kind of phage vectors are most frequently used in phage display technology?
options:
a) double-stranded DNA T-odd
b) alpha-based vectors
c) double-stranded DNA T-even
d) filamentous single-stranded DNA phages
e) lambda-based vectors
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is d) filamentous single-stranded DNA phages.
Phage display technology is a technique used to study protein interactions, identify peptides, and for the development of antibodies and vaccines. Filamentous phages, such as M13 and fd, are the most commonly used phage vectors in this technology.
These filamentous single-stranded DNA phages are ideal for phage display because they are capable of packaging foreign peptide or protein sequences within their coat proteins. The peptides are displayed on the surface of the phage, allowing them to interact with target molecules, such as antibodies or receptors, for screening purposes.
Filamentous phages have several advantages in phage display. First, they are easy to propagate in E. coli, which allows for high-efficiency production of phage particles. The single-stranded nature of the phage DNA also simplifies the process of displaying proteins, as the phage genome can be easily manipulated by inserting foreign DNA. Additionally, filamentous phages have a long, thin structure that provides a large surface area for displaying a wide range of peptides or proteins.
Moreover, these phages do not cause the lysis of bacterial cells, which is a benefit over other types of phage vectors that might cause cell rupture. This characteristic allows for the continuous production of phage, increasing the yield and efficiency of the display process.
In contrast, other phage vectors like double-stranded DNA T-odd or T-even phages, and lambda-based vectors, have specific uses in other areas of molecular biology but are less commonly used in phage display. Filamentous phages have become the standard due to their compatibility with this technology and the convenience of their use in screening applications.