Genetic Engineering in Plant

Definition
Genetic engineering is the deliberate, controlled manipulation of the genes in an
organism with the intent of making that organism better in some way. This is usually
done independently of the natural reproductive process. And the result we called
Genetically Modified Organism (GMO).
Advantages
a. Genes can be manipulated to show desirable characteristics
b. Hereditary diseases can be prevented
c. Food ripens faster and has a longer shelf-life
d. A revolution in agriculture
Disadvantages
a. Not scientifically proven that genetically engineered food are safe for
consumption
b. Deacrease nutritional value
c. Natural food chains disrupted
d. Irreversible effect
Metods
1. PROTOPLAST FUSION
Protoplast fusion can be done by combining the entire genome of the same species
(intra-species), or between species from different genome (inter-species), or
antargenus of one family (inter-genus). Procedure in protoplast fusion:
a. First, dissect leaf. Cut into pieces
b. After dissecting a plant leaf, it is possible to create protoplasts by digesting the
cell wall with the enzyme cellulose
c. Wash centrifuges to remove debris. So here protoplast float and cell wall are
sinks
d. The protoplast from different species of plants can be fused together to create
a hybrid plant.
e. To create a hybrid plant, protoplasts from different plant are fused by culturing
them in a sterile medium that stimulates shoots and roots.
f. And it can be done, to create broccoflower, a fusion of broccoli and
cauliflower.
2. TRANSFORMATION BY AGROBACTERIUM METHOD
Agrobacterium tumifasciens is a common soil bacterium that naturally causes gall
formation on a wide range of plant species, including most dycotyledone and
some monocotyledon species. This bacterium harbors a large plasmid which it can
transfer into plant cells when the plant is wounded. The plasmid carries genes that
trigger an uncontrolled growth of cells in the infected plant, commonly referred to
as “crown gall disease”. For this reason, the plasmid is known as a tumor
inducing (or Ti) plasmid. Agrobacterium can only infect a plant through wounds.
When a plant root or stem is wounded it gives off certain chemical signals. In
response to those signals, the vir genes of Agrobacterium become activated and
direct a series of events necessary for the transfer of the DNA from the Ti plasmid
to the plant's chromosome. Ti plasmids can be isolated from Agrobacterium.
Then, by using restriction enzymes, scientists can insert genes for desirable traits
into the Ti plasmid.
3. LEAF FRAGMENT
Procedure:
a. Small discs are cut from a leaf as the first step in genetic engineering.
b. When the fragments begin to regenerate, they are cultured briefly in a medium
containing genetically modified Agrobacter.
c. During this exposure, the DNA of the host cell, and the genetic payload is
delivered. The leaf discs are then treated with plant hormones to stimulate
shoot and root development before the new plants are planted in soil.

The limitation of this process is that agrobacter cannot infect monocotyledons

plant. Dycotyledones plants are all good candidates for this process.