Bioteknologi Modern Pembuatan Tanaman Transgenik Menggunakan Bakteri Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Summary

In this educational video, the process of creating transgenic plants through biotechnology is explained. The key method involves using the bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens to insert a desired gene into plant cells. The bacterium naturally causes tumors in plants, which researchers exploit to transfer genes. This involves cutting and inserting DNA using restriction enzymes and DNA ligase, followed by the introduction of modified DNA into plant cells. An example is given of creating pest-resistant plants by incorporating the BT gene from Bacillus thuringiensis. The final product is a transgenic plant with specific desired traits.

Takeaways

• 😀 Transgenic plants are genetically modified plants where their genetic material has been altered to introduce desired traits.
• 😀 The process of creating transgenic plants often involves the use of a bacterium called *Agrobacterium tumefaciens*.
• 😀 *Agrobacterium tumefaciens* naturally causes tumors in plants, which is harnessed to introduce genetic material into plant cells.
• 😀 The bacterium transfers its DNA into plant cells, causing uncontrolled cell division and tumor formation, a process exploited for genetic modification.
• 😀 The bacterium has two types of DNA: the main DNA and a plasmid DNA, the latter of which is used in the transgenic plant creation process.
• 😀 The T-DNA region of the plasmid is key for transferring the desired genes into the plant.
• 😀 Restriction enzymes, specifically restriction endonucleases, are used to cut the T-DNA region to insert the desired gene.
• 😀 After the DNA is cut, the desired gene is inserted using DNA ligase, which joins the new DNA to the plasmid.
• 😀 Once the plasmid is modified, it is introduced into plant cells, where the DNA is transferred into the plant’s own DNA.
• 😀 As the plant grows, it develops into a transgenic plant with the desired trait, such as insect resistance.
• 😀 For example, genes from *Bacillus thuringiensis* can be inserted into plants to make them resistant to insect pests by producing toxins that kill the insects.

Q & A

What is a transgenic plant?

A transgenic plant is a plant that has been genetically modified by introducing new genes, which are not naturally found in the plant, to give it desirable traits like pest resistance or improved nutrition.

How does *Agrobacterium tumefaciens* play a role in creating transgenic plants?

*Agrobacterium tumefaciens* is a bacterium that naturally transfers genes into plants through wounds. Scientists exploit this process to insert specific genes into plants for genetic modification.

What is the function of the T-DNA in the genetic modification process?

The T-DNA (Transfer DNA) is the region of the plasmid that carries the desired gene. It is transferred into the plant cell, where it integrates into the plant’s DNA, leading to the expression of the desired trait.

What enzymes are used in the process of modifying plant DNA?

Restriction endonuclease enzymes are used to cut the plasmid DNA, while DNA ligase is used to join the new gene to the plasmid DNA. These enzymes are crucial for inserting and securing the new genetic material.

What is the role of DNA ligase in creating transgenic plants?

DNA ligase is used to connect the newly inserted gene with the plasmid DNA, ensuring that the modified plasmid can be successfully introduced into the plant cell.

What is the process after the plasmid DNA is modified?

After the plasmid DNA is modified by inserting the desired gene, the plasmid is introduced into plant cells. The new gene then integrates into the plant’s DNA, and the modified plant is allowed to grow.

What is the significance of using *Bacillus thuringiensis* in transgenic plants?

*Bacillus thuringiensis* is a bacterium that produces a toxin harmful to insect pests. By incorporating the gene for this toxin into plants, the plants become resistant to pests like insects that would otherwise damage them.

How do transgenic plants become resistant to pests like insects?

Transgenic plants become resistant to pests when they produce a toxin, such as the one from *Bacillus thuringiensis*, that destroys the pests' cells, preventing them from damaging the plant.

What is the purpose of cutting the plasmid DNA in the modification process?

Cutting the plasmid DNA using restriction enzymes allows the insertion of the desired gene. This step is necessary to create space for the new genetic material.

How are modified plant cells cultured after the genetic modification?

After the genetic modification, the plant cells are cultured in vitro (in a controlled environment) where they can develop and grow into full plants, which will then express the modified traits.