What are the differences between selectable marker and reporter gene?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

Selectable marker

Reporter gene

Definition

Selectable markers are genetic sequences that enable the differentiation between genes that have been successfully transformed (altered) and those that have not

Reporter genes are used to tag another gene or DNA sequence   for the measurement or quantification of their expression levels

Promoter

Has its own promoter

Controlled by the promoter of the modified gene

Mechanism

Cells that have been altered with the selectable marker are able to proliferate in the selective medium, whereas those that haven't been modified cannot grow in it due to the absence of the selectable marker

The quantity of gene product produced by the promoter gene correlates with the number of successfully transformed genes of interest

Function

These markers aid in the identification of transformed genes by providing resistance to harmful substances

The amount of protein produced by a reporter gene can be measured to assess the successful transformation of a gene

Location

It can be present within the plasmid or gene construct

Is found between the promoter and target gene

Basis of differentiation	Selectable marker	Reporter gene
Definition	Selectable markers are genetic sequences that enable the differentiation between genes that have been successfully transformed (altered) and those that have not	Reporter genes are used to tag another gene or DNA sequence for the measurement or quantification of their expression levels
Promoter	Has its own promoter	Controlled by the promoter of the modified gene
Mechanism	Cells that have been altered with the selectable marker are able to proliferate in the selective medium, whereas those that haven't been modified cannot grow in it due to the absence of the selectable marker	The quantity of gene product produced by the promoter gene correlates with the number of successfully transformed genes of interest
Function	These markers aid in the identification of transformed genes by providing resistance to harmful substances	The amount of protein produced by a reporter gene can be measured to assess the successful transformation of a gene
Location	It can be present within the plasmid or gene construct	Is found between the promoter and target gene

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