Plant Gene Transfer and Expression Protocols: 49 (Methods in Molecular Biology, 49) - Softcover

Jones, Heddwyn

Softcover

ISBN 10: 089603321X ISBN 13: 9780896033214

Publisher: Humana Press Inc., 1995

Synopsis

The development of recombinant DNA technology and methods for transferring recombinant genes into plants has brought about significant advances in plant science. First, it has allowed investigation, using reporter genes, into the transcriptional regulation of plant genes―a key to the under­ standing of the biochemical basis of growth and development in plants. Second, gene transfer technology has facilitated the molecular cloning, by tagging genomic sequences, of important genes (e. g. , homeotic genes) whose gene products control the normal pattern of growth and differentia­ tion of plants. Third, overproducing foreign or endogenous proteins in plants can often lead to a better understanding of biochemical and physiological processes. Fourth, gene transfer technology has allowed the improvement of plant agricultural productivity. For example, plants have been engineered with improved viral resistance or the ability to withstand herbicide attack, therefore allowing a more effective use of herbicides to kill weeds. Fifth, there have been recent successes that demonstrate the potential use of plants as biotechnological chemical factories. For example, it is possible to use plants in the production of human antibodies and antigens of medical importance. It has been demonstrated recently that plants can be engineered to produce modified oils and even plastics! This paves the way to redirect agriculture from the production of surplus foods to the production of bio­ technological products of industrial importance.

About this title

Review

The chapters were written by outstanding scientists and [the book] can be recommended to any laboratory working with plants, providing tips and alternatives in case of problems. -Journal of Plant Physiology

Synopsis

In "Plant Gene Transfer and Expression Protocols", leading experts present the latest step-by-step recipes for introducing genes into model and agricultural plants and for studying gene activity using reporter enzyme assays, RNA techniques, and immunological methods. The book contains not only a complete collection of "mainstream" methods, but also methods for studying gene expression and genetic manipulation in chloroplasts and mitochondria. There are also methods for introducing and analyzing plant genes in Xenopus and heterologous yeast hosts. "Plant Gene Transfer and Expression Protocols" is an indispensable tool for scientists working in both fundamental (biochemical, physiological, and genetic) and applied aspects of plant biotechnology, plant breeding, agriculture, and horticulture. It provides concise practical help that produces the desired results even for beginners and opens the doors to new research possibilities.

Edition details

• Publisher: Humana Press Inc.
• Publication date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 089603321X
• ISBN 13: 9780896033214
• Binding: Spiral-bound
• Number of pages: 466