How to Make a Genetically Modified Plant

Summary

The video outlines the process of creating genetically modified plants, or transgenic plants, by introducing specific genes to enhance desirable traits. Key components include DNA for the desired trait, a promoter sequence, and a selection marker for identifying transformed cells. Two primary methods for DNA introduction are discussed: the gene gun, which fires DNA-coated particles into plant cells, and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, utilizing the natural DNA transfer ability of *Agrobacterium tumefaciens*. Once integrated, transformed cells are cultured under sterile conditions to regenerate full plants, allowing for the testing of new traits.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Genetically modified plants (GM plants) are created by adding specific genes to alter particular traits.
• 🧬 GM plants are also known as transgenic plants, and they can improve various features such as disease resistance and nutritional value.
• 🔍 Key components for creating GM plants include DNA for the desired trait, a plant-specific promoter, a selection method, and a method for DNA transfer.
• 💡 The most commonly used promoter for GM plants is the CaMV35S derived from the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus.
• 🔫 A gene gun can be used to introduce DNA into plant cells by firing DNA-coated gold particles at them.
• 🌳 Agrobacterium tumefaciens naturally transfers DNA into plant cells, facilitating the creation of transgenic plants with less cellular damage.
• 🦠 The Transfer DNA (T DNA) in Agrobacterium contains genes that induce tumor formation in plants and must be modified for GM purposes.
• 🍚 Examples of genetic modifications include Golden Rice for vitamin A deficiency and Bt corn for pest resistance.
• 🌾 Once DNA is integrated into a plant's genome, the plant is considered transformed, and it can be regenerated under sterile conditions.
• 🔬 The regeneration process involves using antibiotic selection to ensure that only transformed cells grow, along with plant hormones to develop into whole plants.

Q & A

What are genetically modified plants?

Genetically modified plants, also known as transgenic plants, are created by adding specific genes to alter particular traits of the plants.

What components are needed to create a genetically modified plant?

To create a genetically modified plant, you need DNA for the desired trait, a plant-specific promoter, a selectable marker (such as an antibiotic resistance gene), and a method to introduce the DNA into the plant.

What is the role of the promoter in genetically modified plants?

The promoter is a sequence that initiates the transcription of the DNA into RNA, ensuring that the desired trait is expressed in the plant.

How does a selectable marker work in the genetic modification process?

A selectable marker, such as an antibiotic resistance gene, allows for the identification of cells that have successfully integrated the DNA by permitting only those cells to grow in a selective medium.

What are the two common methods for introducing DNA into plant cells?

The two common methods for introducing DNA into plant cells are the gene gun method, which fires DNA-coated gold particles into the cells, and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, which uses a bacterium to transfer DNA into the plant.

What is a gene gun, and how does it work?

A gene gun is a device that fires DNA-coated gold particles at plant cells. The force of the impact allows the particles to penetrate the cell wall and membrane, aiming to deliver the DNA into the nucleus.

What is the significance of the Agrobacterium tumefaciens in genetic modification?

Agrobacterium tumefaciens naturally transfers DNA into plant cells, making it a valuable tool for genetic modification. It induces tumor formation in infected plants, and this mechanism is harnessed to introduce desired genes without damaging the plant cells.

How is a transgenic plant generated from transformed cells?

Transformed cells are cultured under sterile conditions with antibiotics and plant hormones, promoting growth and differentiation into a complete plant. Only the cells that successfully integrated the new DNA will survive.

What are some examples of traits that can be modified in genetically modified plants?

Examples include disease resistance (e.g., Sunspot papayas against the Papaya Ringspot Virus), insect resistance (e.g., Bt corn), enhanced nutritional value (e.g., Golden Rice for vitamin A deficiency), and herbicide resistance.

What precautions are taken when using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation?

In this method, harmful genes are removed from the Ti plasmid before introducing the desired trait, ensuring that only beneficial modifications are transferred to the plant.