Question

What do you understand by indirect gene transfer?

Answer 1

Hint: Transformation is the transmission of a desirable gene from one plant species to another. Plant transformation states the process of modifying the genetic constituents in a plant of interest by introducing DNA segments into the plant genome to attain the desired gene expression. Various plant transformation methods have now been made accessible to the public. These plant transformation methods can be classified under two groups: direct or indirect gene transfer. When gene transfer is done by some biological vector, the process is known as the indirect method.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Indirect gene transfer includes the introduction of exogenous DNA into the plant genome through biological vectors. Indirect gene transfer is also called vector-mediated gene transfer. In this process, the desired gene is initially inserted in a vector and then through the vector, it is moved to the target organism. Hence, such a transfer of genes is known as indirect gene transfer. It is carried by Agrobacterium or with the use of a plant virus known as vectors. Most vectors had marker genes that enable the recognition of transformed cells.

Note: Plant transformation offers a basic tool for much fundamental research, such as the study of protein-protein interactions, gene functions and interactions, developmental processes, and also applications for crop growth and development of plant bioreactors to generate vaccines. Some considered Agrobacterium tumefaciens bacterium as the natural specialist of interkingdom gene transfer. So, the plant transformation methods are carried out by using the natural unique function of A. tumefaciens. Therefore, this bacterium is the most loved by plant biotechnologists.