Agrobacterium rhizogenes mediated genetic transformation and its applications

Abstract

Agrobacterium rhizogenes mediated transformation is a powerful technique in plant biotechnology that enables the rapid and efficient production of transformed hairy roots. This process is particularly advantageous for various plant species, spanning angiosperms (both dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants), gymnosperms, and even moss. The key element in this transformation is the root-inducing (Ri) plasmid carried by A. rhizogenes. The process begins with the introduction of A. rhizogenes to wounded plant tissues. The bacterium, being Gram-negative, harbors the Ri plasmid, which contains the transfer-DNA (T-DNA) fragment. This T-DNA integrates into the host plant genome, triggering the formation of hairy roots. The Ri T-DNA can also transmit through meiosis, ensuring that the genetic modifications are heritable. The A. rhizogenes-mediated transformation system is particularly valuable for species that are challenging to transform using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. It offers several advantages over A. tumefaciens-mediated transformation, including a faster process and a higher transformation frequency.