Question

How are tobacco plants benefited when nematode-specific genes are introduced into them using certain vectors ? Name the vectors used.

Answer 1

The nematode-specific genes are introduced d into the plants through the technique of DNA Recombination. Here, Agrobacterium is used which carries the desired gene and attaches to the DNA of tobacco plants resulting in the formation of disease resistance pant. The vectors are the transportable elements that help the gene to transfer from one organism to another forming a recombinant. The vector which is used commonly is a Plasmid vector, it gas three sites:

1. Origin of replication - where the replication starts.
2. Restriction sites - Having many restriction enzymes to cut the specific site which is needed.
3. Selectable marker - It is the gene for the resistance of a specific antibiotic.

There are other vectors also which are used:

• Phage Vector
• Cosmid
• Bacterial artificial chromosomes
• Yeast artificial chromosomes