Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Definition

Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a soil bacterium known for its ability to transfer DNA to plants, leading to tumor formation. It is widely used in genetic engineering to introduce new genes into plant genomes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Agrobacterium tumefaciens causes crown gall disease in plants by transferring part of its Ti plasmid into the plant genome.
2. The T-DNA region of the Ti plasmid integrates into the plant's DNA, causing uncontrolled cell division and tumor formation.
3. Scientists exploit Agrobacterium tumefaciens' natural gene transfer mechanism to create genetically modified plants.
4. Disarmed Ti plasmids, which lack tumor-inducing genes, are used as vectors in genetic engineering to insert desired genes into plants without causing tumors.
5. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is more efficient in dicotyledonous plants compared to monocotyledonous plants.

Review Questions

• What role does the Ti plasmid play in Agrobacterium tumefaciens' interaction with plants?
• How do scientists use Agrobacterium tumefaciens in genetic engineering?
• Why is Agrobacterium-mediated transformation more effective in dicotyledonous plants?

Related terms

Ti Plasmid: A large plasmid found in Agrobacterium tumefaciens that carries genes responsible for DNA transfer and tumor induction.

T-DNA: The segment of the Ti plasmid that is transferred into the plant genome and integrated during infection.

Genetic Transformation: The process of introducing new DNA into an organism's genome using vectors like disarmed Ti plasmids.