AGROBACTERIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Agrobacterium is a genus of gram-negative bacteria that is commonly found in soil environments. It is well-known for its ability to genetically modify plants by transferring its own DNA into the host plant's genome. This process is called horizontal gene transfer and is facilitated by the presence of a unique plasmid known as the Ti (tumor-inducing) plasmid.
Agrobacterium is crucial in the field of biotechnology as it serves as a useful tool for plant genetic engineering. Scientists can exploit the bacterium's natural ability to transfer specific genes into plant cells to introduce desired traits or characteristics. This has significant implications in crop improvement, as it allows for the introduction of genes that confer resistance to pests, diseases, or herbicides, or enhance nutritional value and productivity.
The process of genetic modification by Agrobacterium begins when the bacterium infects plant cells through a wound or a natural opening. The Ti plasmid contains the genes necessary for infection and integrates into the plant's genome, causing the transformation of the host cell. Once integrated, these genes can be expressed, leading to the synthesis of proteins with the desired traits.
Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation has been widely utilized with various plant species, including crops like corn, soybeans, and cotton. However, it is important to note that the use of Agrobacterium in genetic engineering is a highly controlled and regulated process due to potential risks, including unintended consequences or harm to the environment.
In summary, Agrobacterium is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in soil and plays a significant role in plant genetic engineering by transferring its DNA into the genome of host plants, allowing for the introduction of desired traits or characteristics.
Common Misspellings for AGROBACTERIUM
- zgrobacterium
- sgrobacterium
- wgrobacterium
- qgrobacterium
- afrobacterium
- avrobacterium
- abrobacterium
- ahrobacterium
- ayrobacterium
- atrobacterium
- ageobacterium
- agdobacterium
- agfobacterium
- agtobacterium
- ag5obacterium
- ag4obacterium
- agribacterium
- agrkbacterium
- agrlbacterium
Etymology of AGROBACTERIUM
The word "Agrobacterium" has its roots in Latin and Greek. It consists of two parts: "agro-" and "bacterium".
1. "Agro-" comes from the Latin word "ager", meaning "field" or "land". It represents the agricultural connotation of the bacterium, as Agrobacterium species are known for their ability to cause plant diseases and engage in symbiotic relationships with plants.
2. "Bacterium" has its origin in the Greek word "bakterion", meaning "small rod" or "staff". This term was used to describe microscopic organisms with a rod-like shape, referring to bacteria in general.
Therefore, the word "Agrobacterium" literally means a bacterium associated with agriculture or field, reflecting its role as a plant pathogen and a plant genetic engineer.
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