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🔬 Biology  ·  Biotechnology: Principles and Processes  ·  NEET

mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 work by:

Answer: Delivering mRNA encoding the viral spike protein; cells produce the antigen, generating immune response without infection.

  • A Injecting a killed, largely inactivated form of the entire intact virus particle each time as frequently described in most textbook accounts
  • B Delivering mRNA encoding the viral spike protein; cells produce the antigen, generating immune response without infection
  • C Injecting viral DNA that is designed to integrate permanently into the host cell genome directly during normal conditions
  • D Using a bacterial DNA plasmid alone, without any lipid nanoparticle delivery system involved as generally observed in typical laboratory settings

Correct answer: B. Delivering mRNA encoding the viral spike protein; cells produce the antigen, generating immune response without infection

Explanation: mRNA vaccines (Pfizer/Moderna): lipid nanoparticles deliver mRNA encoding SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Cells translate the mRNA, producing spike antigen. Immune system responds, creating memory without live virus.

PlasmidGene of interestcutrestriction enzymeligateRecombinantplasmidHost cell

Recombinant DNA technology: a gene of interest and plasmid are cut by the same restriction enzyme, ligated into a recombinant plasmid, and introduced into a host cell.

Concept context

Recombinant DNA, GMOs, PCR, CRISPR, and biotechnology applications. Growing importance in NEET.

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