Question

For using Ti plasmid as a vector, researchers have eliminated its

• A. ability to transfer DNA into plants while keeping its tumour causing properties.
• B. ability to cause tumour while keeping its properties to transfer DNA into plants.
• C. ability to transfer DNA into plants while keeping its insecticidal properties
• D. insecticial properties while keeping its cancer causing properties.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Agrobacterium tumifaciens is a pathogen seen in several dicot plants. The pathogen has the ability to deliver a piece of DNA, known as T-DNA, which has an ability to transform normal plant cells into tumour cells. These tumour cells produce the chemicals which are needed by the pathogen. The tumour inducing plasmid (Ti plasmid) of Agrobacterium tumifaciens is now being used as a cloning vector for transferring the gene of interest in the host. The researchers have eliminated the ability of the plasmid to cause the tumour, and have retained its properties of transferring DNA to the plants.