Agrobacterium

Definition

Agrobacterium is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria known for its ability to transfer DNA to plants. It is commonly used in genetic engineering for creating transgenic plants.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Agrobacterium tumefaciens causes crown gall disease in plants by transferring a segment of its DNA (T-DNA) into the plant genome.
2. The bacterium utilizes a plasmid called the Ti (tumor-inducing) plasmid to facilitate the DNA transfer process.
3. Agrobacterium is often used as a tool in biotechnology for genetic transformation due to its natural ability to insert genes into plant cells.
4. There are other species within the Agrobacterium genus, such as Agrobacterium rhizogenes, which induces hairy root disease.
5. Virulence genes (vir genes) located on the Ti plasmid are essential for the transfer of T-DNA from Agrobacterium to plant cells.

Review Questions

• What type of disease does Agrobacterium tumefaciens cause in plants?
• How does Agrobacterium facilitate the transfer of DNA to plant genomes?
• Why is Agrobacterium widely used in genetic engineering and biotechnology?

Related terms

Plasmid: A small, circular piece of DNA found in bacteria that can replicate independently of chromosomal DNA.

T-DNA: The transferred DNA from the Ti plasmid that integrates into the plant genome causing tumor formation.

Transgenic Plants: Plants that have been genetically modified using recombinant DNA technology.