Tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmids

Definition

Tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmids are circular DNA molecules found in Agrobacterium tumefaciens that can transfer genetic material to plant cells, causing tumor formation. They are widely used in genetic engineering to introduce foreign genes into plants.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ti plasmids contain the T-DNA region which integrates into the plant genome.
2. The virulence (vir) genes on Ti plasmids facilitate the transfer of T-DNA to plant cells.
3. Ti plasmids have been modified for use as vectors in plant genetic engineering.
4. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation using Ti plasmids is a common method for creating genetically modified plants.
5. Disarming the Ti plasmid involves removing tumor-inducing genes while retaining the ability to transfer DNA.

Review Questions

• What role do vir genes play in the function of Ti plasmids?
• How have scientists modified Ti plasmids for use in genetic engineering?
• Why is Agrobacterium tumefaciens important in the context of Ti plasmids?

Related terms

T-DNA: The segment of DNA within the Ti plasmid that gets integrated into the plant genome.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens: A soil bacterium that uses Ti plasmids to induce tumors in plants and is utilized in genetic engineering.

Plant Genetic Engineering: A field of biotechnology involving modifying plant genomes using various techniques, including Ti plasmid-mediated transformation.