Question

Genetic modification is a technology that involves inserting DNA into the genome of an organism. To produce a GM plant, foreign DNA is transferred into the cells of a plant.

The formation of transgenic plants in three steps can be summarised as in the image below.


Which of the following options correctly describes the order in which the process is carried out?

• A. i - Gene expression, ii - Gene delivery, iii - Gene identification
• B. i - Gene identification, ii - Gene delivery, iii - Gene expression
• C. i - Gene identification, ii - Gene expression, iii - Gene delivery
• D. Any order can be followed for gene insertion

Answer 1

The correct option is B i - Gene identification, ii - Gene delivery, iii - Gene expression

The plants generated by introducing foreign DNA into a cell and regenerating a plant from the cell are termed transgenic plants.
In order to produce the plant with the desired trait, firstly the gene has to be identified. This gene is called the gene of interest.


Recombinant DNA technology involves the selection of the desired gene followed by its integration into a suitable vector forming the recombinant DNA. This recombinant DNA is then delivered to the target cell of the host. And at last, it has to be maintained in the host and carried forward to the offspring. If the procedure is carried out correctly the gene will express and results can be seen.

So the steps can be summarised as follows :