Question

What is meant by gene gun method?

Answer 1

Hint: Gene gun method is an application of the GMO field and it comes under “Biolistics”.

Complete Answer:
- Gene gun method or the gene gun bombardment method is a method which is popular for the introduction of DNA into the plant cells via physical introduction.
- This gene gun finds its application in the bombardment process of the plant cell wall with numerous DNA coated metal particles. This is accomplished through the use of compressed helium as a form of propellant.
- Various metal particles are routinely used for the process of gene gun bombardment such as tungsten, gold, rhodium, palladium, iridium, etc. These metal particles are coated outwardly with the aid of DNA particles, accelerated in the presence of an inert gas such as helium gas, and bombarded onto the plant cells.
- These metal particles later punch holes across the plant cell wall thereby making its way through it so as to enter the plant cells. This leaves DNA cargo within the plant cell walls. These DNA coated materials finally bombard onto the cells from random directions as no specific target can be achieved in any direction.

The advantages of gene gun method is as follows,
- The gene can be transferred directly into various tissues.
- The gene which is transferred is not affected by any kinds of cells, molecules and receptors present on the cell surface.

Note: Since the 1990s, the gene gun bombardment process has been effectively used for DNA vaccination across the human population. It has a few disadvantages, they are,
Requirements for costly devices
- Only 40-50% of the cells receive the DNA.
- It can hamper the normal function of the plant physiology.