Question

The following genes are located on the Agrobacterium tumefaciens chromosome: chvA, chvB, chvE and pscA. Which of these genes encodes a protein that binds to simple sugars and to the extracellular domain of VirA?

Answer 1

Agrobacterium tumefaciens acts as a vector to transfer modified Ti plasmids carrying desired genes into plant cells, aiding the production of transgenic plants with specific traits.

Step-by-step explanation:

The role of Agrobacterium tumefaciens in the production of transgenic plants is as a biological vector to introduce desired DNA fragments into plant hosts. These fragments of DNA are typically modified versions of Ti plasmids (tumor-inducing plasmids), which in their natural state carry genes that cause tumors in plants by integrating into the plant cell genome. Researchers manipulate Ti plasmids to remove the tumor-causing genes and to insert genes of interest which may include traits such as antibiotic resistance or particular agronomic characteristics. The modified plasmids can then be propagated in E. coli cells and ultimately transferred into the plant cells, where the inserted gene recombines into the plant genome, producing transgenic plants with desirable traits.

Considering the options provided in the question, the correct answer for the role of A. tumefaciens in the production of transgenic plants is:

A. tumefaciens is used as a vector to move genes into plant cells.