Question

1. Define plant transformation; also explain (i) a vector-mediated gene transfer and (ii) one method from direct DNA transfer?

2 Define biocontrol agent and write a short note on the mechanism of action of a biocontrol agent?

Answer 1

1 Ans: Insertion of a foreign gene (generally from other plants) to our plant of interest is called plant transformation. It is conducted to impart good characters like to enhance yield, stress tolerance, and disease resistance.

(i) Vector-mediated gene transfer method- the gene is transferred using a vector. Common vectors are Agrobacterium and plant viruses. It is an efficient method but is limited to a selective group of plants.

(ii) one method from direct DNA transfer- Foreign DNA is directly introduced into the plant genome without the help of vector.

Example- "Electroporation" is a widely employed physical approach of direct DNA transfer. In this technique, high field strength electrical impulses are used to reversibly permeabilize the cell membranes for DNA uptake.