Biotechnology- Principles and Processes Question 37

37. Polyethylene glycol method is used for [2009]

(a) biodiesel production

(b) seedless fruit production

(c) energy production from sewage

(d) gene transfer without a vector

Show Answer

Answer : d

Hints & Solutions

(d) Direct gene transfer is the transfer of naked DNA into plant cells but the presence of rigid plant cell wall acts as a barrier to uptake. Therefore protoplasts are the favoured target for direct gene transfer. Polyethylene glycol mediated DNA uptake is a direct gene transfer method that utilizes the interaction between polyethylene glycol, naked DNA, salts and the protoplast membrane to effect transport of the DNA into the cytoplasm.