Question

What is meant by gene gun method?

Answer 1

• The gene gun method is a method used for genetically modifying plants. With the use of a gene gun, the gene gun method delivers extra DNA directly into a plant’s nucleus. The method is also commonly called particle acceleration or microprojectile bombardment.
• The gene gun can be used on seedlings or tissue culture cells. Prior to injecting the DNA into the plant tissue via the gene gun, either microscopic gold or tungsten particles are liberally coated with many hundreds of copies of genes. The particles are then forced into the nucleus with the gene gun.
• The gene gun has revolutionized the genetic modification of plants. The first gene gun method of DNA modification was developed in 1980.
• The process relied on a 22-caliber cartridge to shoot the gene-coated metal particles into the plant’s cell. Nowadays, modern versions of the gene gun operate differently.
• The modernized gene gun depends on a vacuum chamber and high-pressure gas to hurl the metal particles into the plant cells.
• The gene gun is highly effective at modifying the DNA and genetics of plant cells.