Transgenic Plants and Gene Transfer

Transgenic Plants

• Transgenic plants are created by transferring or modifying genes from another organism to acquire desirable characters in the host plant.
• The goal of transgenic plants is to improve plant varieties by transferring a transgene into the plant genome.

Production of Transgenic Plants

• The steps involved in producing transgenic plants are:
  • Isolating the gene of interest
  • Adding a promoter or DNA segment to initiate or enhance gene expression
  • Adding a selection marker
  • Introducing the gene construct into a plant cell
  • Selecting transformed cells or tissue
  • Micropropagation to generate multiple plant clones

Insect Resistance

• Insect resistance in transgenic plants can be achieved through the use of genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
• The Bt gene is also known as the Cry gene, which codes for the crystal (Cry) protein, a δ-endotoxin.
• The Cry protein works by binding to and creating pores in the intestinal lining of insects, ultimately killing them.

Mechanism of Cry Protein Toxicity

• Inside an insect's gut, the crystal breaks apart and releases the toxin.
• The toxin then binds to and creates pores in the intestinal lining, causing the insect's death.

Applications of Bt Gene

• The Bt gene provides resistance against several types of insects and nematodes, including:
  • Lepidoptera
  • Coleoptera
  • Hymenoptera
  • Diptera
  • Nematodes
• The Bt gene is used in the production of insect-resistant crops and biological insecticides.

Learn about the process of creating transgenic plants by transferring genes from other organisms to acquire desired characteristics. Understand the steps involved in producing transgenic plants.