Transformation is the genetic alteration of a cell resulting from the direct uptake, incorporation and expression of
exogenous genetic material (exogenous DNA) from its surroundings and taken up through the cell
membrane(s).Transformation can be used to describe the insertion of new genetic material into nonbacterial cells,
including animal and plant cells.
AGROBACTERIUM
MEDIATED
TRANSFORMATION
Agrobacterium mediated
transformation is the easiest
and most simple plant
transformation. Plant tissue
(often leaves) are cut into
small pieces, e.g. 10x10mm,
and soaked for 10 minutes in
a fluid containing suspended
Agrobacterium. Some cells
along the cut will be
transformed by the
bacterium, that inserts its
DNA into the cell. Placed on
selectable rooting and
shooting media, the plants
will regrow.
PARTICLE GUN
METHOD
Particles of gold or
tungsten are coated
with DNA and then shot
into young plant cells
or plant embryos. Some
genetic material will
stay in the cells and
transform them. This
method also allows
transformation of plant
plastids.