Agrobacterium-mediated transformation

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation uses bacteria of the genus Agrobacterium to transfer DNA into plant cells, enabling stable or transient genetic modification.

Ti plasmid: A large Agrobacterium plasmid carrying genes that enable DNA transfer and, in nature, plant tumor formation. Its transfer DNA is the segment engineered for delivery into plant cells.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens: A soil bacterium that naturally transfers T-DNA into wounded plants and can cause crown gall disease. It is the best-known bacterial species used as a plant DNA delivery system.
Stable transformation: Genetic modification in which introduced DNA persists through cell divisions and can be inherited. It is the usual goal when engineered traits must pass to later generations.
Particle bombardment: A method that propels DNA-coated microscopic particles into plant cells. It delivers DNA physically, avoiding dependence on Agrobacterium infection and host compatibility.
T-DNA: A DNA segment bounded by specific sequences and transferred from an Agrobacterium plasmid into a plant cell. It is the genetic cargo that crosses from bacterium to plant.
Plant wound response: The cellular and chemical reactions plants produce after tissue damage. Wounded tissue releases signals that activate Agrobacterium's DNA-transfer machinery.
Transient expression: Temporary production of a gene product without requiring stable incorporation of its DNA into the genome. Agrobacterium can deliver genes for rapid experiments without regenerating stable plants.
PEG-mediated transformation: A method that uses polyethylene glycol to promote DNA uptake by protoplasts. It transforms isolated plant cells directly rather than relying on bacterial transfer.
Virulence genes: Bacterial genes whose products process and transport T-DNA during Agrobacterium infection. Their proteins direct T-DNA preparation and delivery even when tumor genes are removed.
Acetosyringone: A phenolic compound released by wounded plants that can induce Agrobacterium virulence genes. Adding it to culture media can stimulate T-DNA transfer in laboratory protocols.

Linked from 8 pages