Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a soil bacterium known for its ability to transfer DNA to plant cells. This natural genetic engineer infects plants and integrates a segment of its DNA, known as T-DNA, into the plant's genome, leading to tumor formation. This property is harnessed in recombinant DNA technology to introduce new genes into plants, making it a vital tool in genetic engineering.
Recombinant DNA Technology
Recombinant DNA technology involves combining DNA from different sources to create new genetic combinations. This process typically includes isolating a gene of interest, inserting it into a vector (like a plasmid), and then introducing this vector into a host organism. In plants, Agrobacterium serves as a vector to facilitate the transfer of the desired gene, allowing for the development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
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Gene Transfer Mechanism
The gene transfer mechanism of Agrobacterium involves several steps: attachment to the plant cell, transfer of T-DNA into the plant cell, and integration of T-DNA into the plant's genome. This process is mediated by virulence (vir) genes in Agrobacterium, which are activated upon contact with plant cells. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for effectively utilizing Agrobacterium in genetic engineering applications.
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