Genetic Engineering: Gene Transfer to Plants
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a biological method for delivering DNA into plant cells?

  • Agrobacterium
  • Biolistic gun/Particle bombardment (correct)
  • Viruses
  • Microinjection
  • Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a bacterium that causes crown gall disease in a wide range of dicot plants.

    True (A)

    What are the two main types of opines found in Ti plasmids?

    Nopaline and octopine

    The Ti plasmid contains genes that induce the formation of ______ and associated changes in plant metabolism.

    <p>tumors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following components of the Ti plasmid with their respective functions:

    <p>T-DNA = Contains genes for auxin, cytokinin, and opine synthesis vir genes = Responsible for the transfer of T-DNA into the plant cell opine catabolism region = Controls expression of opine transport and breakdown T-DNA border sequences = Define the boundaries of the T-DNA region</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the vir genes in the Ti plasmid?

    <p>Transfer T-DNA into the plant cell (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    T-DNA stands for "tumor-inducing DNA" and is responsible for inducing the formation of galls in plants.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are auxins and cytokinins, and how do they contribute to tumor formation?

    <p>Auxins and cytokinins are plant hormones. Auxins promote cell elongation, while cytokinins stimulate cell division. These hormones are encoded by genes in the T-DNA region. When these genes are expressed in the plant, they promote uncontrolled growth, leading to the formation of tumors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following genes are involved in the T-DNA transfer process in Agrobacterium tumefaciens?

    <p>All of the above (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Vir genes are located within the T-DNA region of the Ti plasmid.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The protein encoded by the ______ gene is responsible for cleaving the T-DNA at the left and right borders during transfer.

    <p>VirD2</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of VirA and VirG in the T-DNA transfer process?

    <p>VirA and VirG are responsible for sensing plant signals, such as acetosyringone and sugar, and activating other Vir genes. This activation is a key step in initiating the T-DNA transfer process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of molecule does VirB encode?

    <p>VirB encodes proteins that form a type IV secretion system (T4SS). This system acts as a channel for the transfer of the T-DNA from the bacterium into the plant cell.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match each Vir gene with its primary function:

    <p>VirA = Senses plant signals and activates VirG VirG = Activates expression of other Vir genes VirD1 = Cleave the T-DNA at the right border VirD2 = Cleave the T-DNA at the left border VirB = Forms a transport channel for T-DNA transfer VirE2 = Protects T-DNA during transfer VirE1 = Facilitates T-DNA movement within the plant cell VirF = Regulates T-DNA integration into the plant genome</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The VirD2 protein guides the T-DNA molecule to the plant cell through a specialized export channel.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    VirD2 will remain attached at the right border of T-DNA.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the VirD2 protein after the T-DNA enters the plant cell?

    <p>To integrate the T-DNA into the plant genome. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the VirB proteins in the transfer of T-DNA?

    <p>The VirB proteins form a membrane channel that exports the T-DNA from the bacteria into the plant cell.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    VirE2 forms a ______ in the plant cytoplasmic membrane to allow passage of the T-DNA strand.

    <p>pore</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The co-integration method of Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer involves removing the _____, _____, and ____ genes from the T-DNA and replacing them with the gene of interest.

    Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of VirE2 in protecting the T-DNA?

    <p>VirE2 binds to the T-DNA, preventing it from being degraded by plant enzymes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following proteins with their respective functions in T-DNA transfer:

    <p>VirD2 = Pilot protein that guides T-DNA into the plant cell VirB = Form a membrane channel for T-DNA export VirE2 = Forms a pore in the plant cytoplasmic membrane and protects T-DNA from degradation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the T-DNA after it is exported from the bacterium?

    <p>It enters the plant nucleus and integrates into the plant genome. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    VirD2 is involved in the transport of the T-DNA across the plant cell membrane.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the T-DNA transfer process in the context of plant-bacterial interactions?

    <p>T-DNA transfer allows Agrobacterium tumefaciens to introduce its own genes into the plant genome, causing the plant to produce substances that benefit the bacteria, like opines.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of wounding a plant during Agrobacterium infection?

    <p>To activate Vir genes through released chemicals (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The biolistic gun method requires living vectors to transfer DNA into plant cells.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the inert materials used for in the biolistic gun process?

    <p>They are used to coat the DNA to ensure it does not interact with the plant cell.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _____ gun is a physical method that shoots a piece of DNA into a recipient cell.

    <p>biolistic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following advantages and disadvantages of the biolistic gun method:

    <p>Can transfer gene to all plant species = Advantage High cost of equipment = Disadvantage No living vector required = Advantage Random intracellular targeting = Disadvantage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the VirD2 protein in Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer?

    <p>To guide the T-DNA to the plant cell (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a binary vector system, T-DNA and vir genes are located on the same plasmid.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is removed and replaced with the gene of interest in the co-integration method?

    <p>auxin, cytokinin, and opine genes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ______ vector is an alternative system used to improve transformation efficiency by separating T-DNA and vir genes.

    <p>binary</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following steps in the binary vector method with their descriptions:

    <p>Move T-DNA region = Transfer the T-DNA from the Ti plasmid to a separate plasmid Replace genes = Substitute auxin, cytokinin, and opine genes with the gene of interest Positioning the gene = Ensure the gene is between right and left borders Vir genes retention = Keep vir genes on the original plasmid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a disadvantage of using the co-integration method for gene transfer?

    <p>The Ti plasmid is large (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The co-integration method is straightforward and does not face challenges.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do the vir genes in Agrobacterium tumefaciens help facilitate?

    <p>The transfer of T-DNA into the plant cell</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Virulence Region

    A critical area in A.tumefaciens responsible for T-DNA transfer to plants.

    VirA

    A protein that helps activate the transfer process in A.tumefaciens when stimulated by plants.

    VirG

    A protein that works with VirA to regulate the virulence genes in A.tumefaciens.

    VirD1

    A protein that cleaves T-DNA at its borders during transfer.

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    VirD2

    A protein that also participates in cleaving T-DNA, ensuring proper transfer to plants.

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    VirB

    A protein involved in forming the transfer apparatus during T-DNA transfer.

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    VirE2

    A protein that binds to T-DNA and helps in its transfer to plant cells.

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    T-DNA

    Transferred DNA from A.tumefaciens into the plant genome, responsible for genetic modification.

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    Membrane channel

    A passage created by VirB for T-DNA movement from bacteria to plant.

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    Agrobacterium transformation

    Method of transferring genes into plants using Agrobacterium bacteria.

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    Gene integration

    Process where transferred DNA merges with the plant's genome inside the nucleus.

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    Pore formation

    The process by which VirE2 creates openings for T-DNA transfer.

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    Biolistic gun

    A device that shoots DNA-coated particles into plant cells.

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    Protection from degradation

    Function of VirE2 that safeguards T-DNA during its transfer into the plant.

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    Agrobacterium tumefaciens

    A bacterium involved in transferring T-DNA to plants for genetic engineering.

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    Inert material

    Non-reactive substances used to coat DNA for gene transfer.

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    Advantages of biolistics

    Can transfer genes to any plant without living vectors and is simple to use.

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    VirD2 function

    VirD2 helps guide T-DNA into plant cells and integrates it into the genome.

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    Gene co-integration

    Method where T-DNA region is modified and integrated into plants.

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    Auxin and cytokinin genes

    Plant hormones that are removed and replaced in co-integration.

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    Binary vector system

    A method that uses two plasmids: one for T-DNA and another for virulence genes.

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    Disarmed Ti plasmid

    Plasmid modified to remove harmful genes for safe gene transfer.

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    Transformation efficiency

    The effectiveness of transferring genes into plant cells.

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    Vir helper plasmid

    Plasmid that contains vir genes necessary for T-DNA transfer.

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    Gene Transfer

    The process of introducing new genetic material into an organism's cells.

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    Ti plasmid

    Tumor-inducing plasmid that carries genes for tumor formation in plants.

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    Auxin

    A plant hormone that promotes cell elongation and is involved in the formation of galls.

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    Cytokinin

    A plant hormone that promotes cell division and works with auxin.

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    Opine

    A compound produced by plants that serves as a nutrient for Agrobacterium.

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    Crown Gall Disease

    A condition caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens resulting in tumor-like swellings.

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    Study Notes

    Genetic Engineering: Gene Transfer to Plants

    • Genetic engineering involves transferring genes to plants to enhance traits
    • One method is using Agrobacterium tumefaciens
    • This bacterium causes crown gall disease in dicot plants
    • Agrobacterium has a Ti plasmid
    • The Ti plasmid includes genes responsible for tumor formation and changes in plant metabolism
    • These genes can be integrated into the plant's DNA
    • The Ti plasmid can move genes of interest into plant cells
    • Agrobacterium is mixed with plant cells allowing the Ti plasmid to transfer the desired gene

    Methods of Gene Transfer

    • Biological Method: Agrobacterium

    • Physical Method: Biolistic gun (particle bombardment)

    • Agrobacterium:

      • Uses Ti plasmid to transfer genes
      • Natural process that can be manipulated
    • Biolistic Gun:

      • Physical method to deliver DNA into plants
      • Small particles coated with genes are shot into plant cells using helium gas
      • Successful gene transfer and integration

    Overview of Gene Transfer

    • Method A (Agrobacterium):
      • Identifies gene of interest
      • Isolates gene
      • Inserts isolated gene into the Ti plasmid
      • Mixes Agrobacterium with plant cells to transfer the Ti plasmid into the plant
      • Transformed cells are screened for the inserted gene.
    • Method B (Gene Gun):
      • Identifies gene of interest
      • Coats gold or tungsten particles with DNA
      • Shoots these particles into plant cells using helium gas
      • Transformed cells are screened.

    Agrobacterium tumefaciens

    • Causes crown gall disease in dicot plants.
    • The Ti plasmid contains genes essential for tumor formation and associated changes in plant metabolism
    • These genes can be transferred and integrated into the plant's genomic DNA

    (Original) Ti Plasmid

    • Stands for tumor-inducing plasmid

    • Consists of:

      • T-DNA
      • Vir genes
      • Genes encoding opine catabolism.
    • Left and right border sequences define the T-DNA region

    • Includes genes for plant growth hormones auxin and cytokinin

    • Opines become a nutrient source for Agrobacterium

    T-DNA Region

    • Contains genes for auxin, cytokinin and opines
    • When expressed, these genes can induce tumor formation in plants.
    • Opines are the nutrients for Agrobacterium

    Opine Catabolism

    • Controls expression of opine transport and catabolism
    • Opines are derivatives of amino acids or sugar phosphates
    • These opines can be catabolized as nutrients.
    • Examples of opines include nopaline and octopine

    Virulence Region

    • Vir genes are crucial for T-DNA transfer to plants
    • Virulence region consists of several genes (VirA, VirG, VirD1, VirD2, VirB, and VirE2).
    • These genes are essential for the process

    Molecular Basis of T-DNA Transfer

    • Vir proteins synthesize single-stranded T-DNA
    • T-DNA complex imports into the nucleus
    • T-DNA is integrated into the plant's genome.
    • Vir genes play a crucial role in the transfer process.

    Manipulation of Agrobacterium for Genetic Engineering

    • Two approaches to genetic engineering using Agrobacterium:
      • Co-integration: disarming the T-DNA region
      • Binary vector: separates T-DNA and Vir genes.

    Co-integration Method

    • Remove some of the Ti plasmid genes such as auxin, cytokinin, and opine genes
    • Inserting a gene of interest between the two borders of a T-DNA region
    • Inserting the gene of interest into plant cells.

    Binary Vector Method

    • Separating the T-DNA and Vir genes into two different plasmids
    • Combining both plasmids to facilitate the transfer of the new gene into plants

    Gene Transfer to Plants (general considerations)

    • Agrobacterium infection requires wounding of the plant for successful infection
    • Wound release chemicals such as aceto-syringone and sugars to activate Vir genes.

    Biolistic Gun

    • Physical method for gene transfer
    • Process of shooting DNA-coated particles into plant cells
    • Particles that are coated with the gene of interest are fired into cells to facilitate gene delivery

    Biolistic Gun - parameters

    • Inert materials for coating DNA
    • Competent cells suitable for targeted delivery
    • Consideration of proper depth and strength of penetration

    Advantage and Disadvantage of Biolistic Gun

    • Advantages:
      • Widely applicable to various plant species
      • Does not require living vectors
      • Relatively simple protocol
    • Disadvantages:
      • Random integration of the gene within the plant cell.
      • High cost of equipment and materials

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    Gene Transfer to Plant PDF

    Description

    Explore the fascinating world of genetic engineering in plants, focusing on gene transfer methods. This quiz covers the role of Agrobacterium tumefaciens and the physical method of biolistic gun technique for delivering DNA into plant cells. Test your knowledge on the mechanisms and implications of these methods!

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