Plant Transformation Techniques

Abstract

AbstractPlant genetic transformation is the intentional alteration and modification of its genome by introducing one or more foreign gene(s) through a variety of methods (other than traditional procedures), and the modified plant is referred to as transformed or transgenic. These remarkable advances in gene technology have not only helped in understanding the gene structure and functions, but also offered access to unlimited gene pool together with incorporation and expression of gene(s) from taxonomically unrelated species, in “tailoring” crop plants with useful genetically engineered characteristics (qualitative and quantitative) to combat various environmental stresses (biotic and abiotic) and human nutritional deficiencies. Adding a gene to a crop plant can increase its agricultural, horticultural, or ornamental value, and it can also be used as a living bioreactor for the cost-effective synthesis of pharmaceutically useful metabolites and proteins. Genetically modified phytoremediator/hyperaccumulator plants can remediate contaminated soils and waters. Plant genetic transformation may also be used to investigate how genes are regulated and expressed throughout development and other biological processes. In general, there are two methods for artificial DNA transfer: vector-less or direct DNA transfer (physical or chemical gene transfer) and (ii) vector-mediated or indirect DNA transfer method (Agrobacterium-mediated transformation; Agrobacterium-mediated virus infection). Among these methods, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is thought to induce less rearrangement of the transgene and introduces a lower copy number than the other direct DNA delivery methods. This chapter focuses on explicit information on various vector-less/direct (physical, chemical) and vector-mediated/indirect (Agrobacterium-mediated) plant transformation techniques.Keywords Agrobacterium Genetic transformationBiolisticsMacroinjectionElectroporation