Biolistic gun; Particle gun


A procedure used for genetic modification - genetic information is directly "shot" into plant cells

For this procedure, DNA is bound to tiny particles of gold or tungsten and subsequently "shot" into plant tissue or single plant cells under high pressure. The accelerated particles penetrate both the cell wall and membranes, slowing down as they do so. The DNA separates from the metal and can be integrated into the genetic material inside the nucleus.

This method has successfully been applied to many cultivated crops, especially monocots like wheat or maize for which a transformation with the help of Agrobacterium tumefaciens is less suitable.

A disadvantage of this procedure is the damage done to the cellular tissue.
See also:
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
DNA
Transformation
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