Question:

Which of the following is a vector mediated gene transfer method

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To perform Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, binary vector systems are used. These systems split the Ti plasmid functions between a small helper plasmid containing the virulence (*vir*) genes and a cloning vector containing the T-DNA borders and the target gene.
  • Biolistic
  • Agrobacterium Mediated
  • Gene Gun
  • Microinjection
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Gene transfer methods in plant biotechnology are divided into two main categories: direct (vector-free) gene transfer and indirect (vector-mediated) gene transfer.
Direct methods use physical or chemical forces to introduce DNA, while indirect methods use biological vectors to deliver the target gene into the host genome.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us analyze each gene transfer method listed:
1. Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer: This is an indirect, vector-mediated method.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a soil bacterium known as a "natural genetic engineer."
It contains a large Tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmid.
A specific segment of this plasmid, called transfer DNA (T-DNA), is naturally transferred and integrated into the host plant's nuclear genome during infection.
By replacing the disease-causing genes within the T-DNA with the target transgene, scientists use the Ti-plasmid as a biological vector to deliver genes into plant cells.
2. Biolistics (also known as the Gene Gun method): This is a direct, physical gene transfer method where heavy metal microprojectiles (gold or tungsten) coated with plasmid DNA are accelerated at high speeds to penetrate plant cell walls.
3. Microinjection: This is a direct physical method where DNA is injected directly into the nucleus of an individual cell or protoplast using a fine glass capillary needle.
Therefore, only Agrobacterium-mediated transfer is vector-mediated.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The vector-mediated gene transfer method is Agrobacterium-mediated, which corresponds to option (B).
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