Question

in genetic engineering antibiotics are used to

Answer 1

1. To select healthy vectors 2.Keep the culture free from infection

Answer 2

In the genetic engineering field, the antibiotics are actually used to the selectable markers.  

The elements are required for better maintenance of the plasmid in a cell.  

Because of the presence of the selective marker, this plasmid turns into use for a cell.  

Below these selective conditions, cells which contain plasmids along with suitable appropriate selectable marker can survive.