Plant transformation 1

1. What is a transgene/transgenic plant?

2. What are some differences between physical and biological methods for DNA introduction into plant cells?

3. What are some ways that the biological method for DNA introduction (Agrobacterium) has been improved over the years?

4. How is gene introduction performed with the model plant, Arabidopsis? Is this technique widely applied to other plants?

5. How do the DNA integration patterns differ in plant cells, transformed via Agrobacterium and particle bombardment?

6. Can you think of additional methods for DNA introduction into plant cells?

Formula

Tissue culture + DNA delivery and integration = transgenic plants

Methods of delivering DNA into plant cells

Biological

Agrobacterium

Other bacteria

Viruses

Physical

Particle bombardment

Electroporation 

Silicon carbide whiskers

Carbon nanofibers