What is the Role of Gal4 in Yeast Two-Hybrid Experiments

Question

What is the role of Gal4 in yeast two-hybrid experiments?
A) It is a selectable marker.
B) It is a reporter gene.
C) It metabolizes galactose,which is used as an energy source.
D) It is split into two domains that together promote transcription of a target gene.
E) Its ability to interact with other proteins is tested.

Accepted Answer

Gal4 is split into two domains in a yeast two-hybrid system, with one domain being fused to the DNA-binding domain of a transcription factor and the other domain being fused to a protein of interest. When the protein of interest interacts with another protein, it brings the Gal4 domains together, promoting transcription of a target gene. This allows the detection of protein-protein interactions.