Question

What is a fusion protein and how can it be used to isolate a recombinant protein of interest? Explain each step with reasoning.

Answer 1

Fusion proteins are are called as chimeric proteins as they are produced after fuwiong or forming a chimeric gene , by fusing 2 genes which orginally code for different proteins.

This can be primarily used for isolating recombinant protein..the recombinant gene of interest in the vector can be combined by a fusion tag by forming a chimera of the 2 genes. As a result when they are transcribed and translated togethor, they are a chimera of 2 proteins , out of which one is a protein of interest. The chimera can help the protein to remain in soluble or insoluble form depending on the interest and properties. , If it is insoluble it can be later easily extracted from the cell. They can also be attached to a secreation signal with which they can be excreated out if the periplasm and easily extracted. Thus, the fusion tag doesnot effect the nature of protein.