a plasmid contained a gene insert that provided antibiotic resistance the cell survived and was selected on the plate. If the insert provided no resistance, the cell died and did not form a colony. Based on selection of cell colonies that survived, a better picture of genetic factors contributing to antibiotic resistance were pieced together. Most of the resistance genes that were identified were previously unknown. By using a functional cloning-based technique one is able to elucidate genes giving rise to antibiotic resistance to better understand treatment for bacterial infections. See also cDNA library Genetic screen Genomic library Hybridization probe Molecular cloning References External links Functional Cloning, Sorting, and Expression Profiling of Nucleic Acid-Binding Proteins Genome Research.com A novel strategy for the functional cloning of enzymes using filamentous phage display: the case of nucleotidyl transferases Oxford Journals] Molecular genetics of Cohen syndrome Department of Medical Genetics, University of Helsinki'' Genetics techniques Molecular genetics Medical genetics