What are the differences between selectable marker and reporter gene?

Basis of differentiation

Selectable marker

Reporter gene

Definition

Selectable markers are genetic sequences that enable the differentiation between genes that have been successfully transformed (altered) and those that have not

Reporter genes are used to tag another gene or DNA sequence   for the measurement or quantification of their expression levels

Promoter

Has its own promoter

Controlled by the promoter of the modified gene

Mechanism

Cells that have been altered with the selectable marker are able to proliferate in the selective medium, whereas those that haven't been modified cannot grow in it due to the absence of the selectable marker

The quantity of gene product produced by the promoter gene correlates with the number of successfully transformed genes of interest

Function

These markers aid in the identification of transformed genes by providing resistance to harmful substances

The amount of protein produced by a reporter gene can be measured to assess the successful transformation of a gene

Location

It can be present within the plasmid or gene construct

Is found between the promoter and target gene