Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Definition

Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a soil-dwelling bacterium known for its ability to induce crown gall disease in plants by transferring a portion of its DNA into the plant's genome. This process is significant in understanding bacterial diseases in plants, as it highlights how pathogens can manipulate host cellular machinery to promote tumor formation and disrupt normal growth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Agrobacterium tumefaciens can infect a wide range of dicotyledonous plants, making it one of the most studied plant pathogens.
2. The bacterium transfers a segment of its Ti plasmid DNA, known as T-DNA, into the plant cells, leading to uncontrolled cell division and tumor formation.
3. This mechanism of gene transfer has been exploited in biotechnology, allowing for the development of genetically modified plants.
4. Crown gall tumors often develop at wound sites where Agrobacterium enters the plant tissue, facilitating its infection.
5. The study of Agrobacterium tumefaciens has provided insights into plant-pathogen interactions and has applications in developing disease-resistant crops.

Review Questions

• How does Agrobacterium tumefaciens induce crown gall disease in plants, and what is the significance of T-DNA transfer?
  • Agrobacterium tumefaciens induces crown gall disease by transferring a segment of its Ti plasmid DNA, known as T-DNA, into the host plant's genome. This T-DNA integrates into the plant's DNA, leading to abnormal cell growth and tumor formation. The significance lies in understanding how bacterial pathogens manipulate plant genetics, which sheds light on plant disease mechanisms and opens avenues for biotechnological applications like genetic engineering.
• Discuss the implications of using Agrobacterium tumefaciens in genetic engineering and crop improvement.
  • Using Agrobacterium tumefaciens in genetic engineering allows scientists to introduce specific genes into plant genomes efficiently. This method has led to the development of genetically modified crops with enhanced traits such as pest resistance, improved nutritional content, and tolerance to environmental stress. The implications are vast as they contribute to agricultural sustainability, food security, and addressing challenges posed by climate change.
• Evaluate the role of Agrobacterium tumefaciens in advancing our understanding of plant-pathogen interactions and how this knowledge could influence future agricultural practices.
  • Agrobacterium tumefaciens has played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of plant-pathogen interactions through its unique mechanism of T-DNA transfer. By studying this bacterium, researchers have gained insights into how pathogens can alter host cellular processes. This knowledge influences future agricultural practices by guiding the development of disease-resistant varieties and informing strategies to manage bacterial infections effectively, ultimately improving crop resilience and yield.

Related terms

Crown Gall Disease: A plant disease caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens, characterized by the formation of tumor-like growths on the plant stems and roots.

Ti Plasmid: A large plasmid found in Agrobacterium tumefaciens that carries genes responsible for tumor induction in plants and is utilized in genetic engineering.

Gene Transfer: The process by which genetic material is transferred from one organism to another, a key feature of Agrobacterium's interaction with plants.