Animation E4, 1.2 Production of GM plants

Chapter 1: Bacterial Toxin Gene

Introduction to GMOs

• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Organisms whose genetic composition has been altered through genetic engineering techniques.

• Purpose: To create crops with desirable traits, such as pest resistance.

Production of Pest-Resistant GM Maize

• Bacterial Toxin: Certain species of bacteria produce toxins that are lethal to many insect pests.

• DNA Extraction: The DNA containing the toxin gene is extracted from the bacterium.

• Plasmid Source: A plasmid is obtained from the bacterium Agrobacterium, which is commonly used in genetic engineering.

Steps in Gene Insertion Process

• Enzyme Action: Both the toxin gene DNA and the plasmid are cut using the same restriction enzyme to create compatible ends.

• Ligation: The DNA ligase enzyme facilitates the insertion of the toxin gene into the plasmid, resulting in a recombinant plasmid.

• Transformation: The recombinant plasmid is reintroduced into Agrobacterium, which is then referred to as transformed.

Infection of Maize Cells

• Infection Process: The transformed Agrobacterium infects maize cells.

• Integration: The bacterial toxin gene integrates into the maize cell’s DNA during the infection process, preparing for further development of the plant.

Chapter 2: The Maize

Development into Adult Plant

• Maize Cell Development: The maize cell eventually grows into a mature plant.

• Expression of Toxin Gene: The incorporated toxin gene instructs the plant to produce a toxin.

• Pest Resistance: As a result, the GM maize plant becomes resistant to insect pests, enhancing its survival and agricultural productivity.