Polymers Of Commercial Importance

Direct gene transfer is the transfer of naked DNA into plant cells, but the presence of a rigid plant cell wall acts as a barrier to uptake. Thus, protoplasts are the favored target for direct gene transfer. Polyethylene glycol-mediated DNA uptake is a direct gene transfer method that uses the interaction between PEG, naked DNA, salts and the protoplast membrane to affect the transportation of DNA into the cytoplasm.

• Plant cells have rigid cell walls that inhibit the process of gene transfer.
• There are various techniques to transform plant cells when they are in the protoplast stage.
• Before the protoplast regenerates the cell wall, direct gene transfer is carried out.
• PEG method is an efficient method of transforming plant cells by direct gene transfer.
• PEG transfer stimulates uptake of liposomes and improves the efficiency of electroporation.
• PEG transformation is preferred over electroporation in monocot protoplasts as it has comparatively higher survival rates post-treatment.