Final answer:
MiniTi vector plasmids are engineered versions of Agrobacterium's Ti plasmids without the tumor-causing genes, used to introduce foreign DNA into plant cells. They contain antibiotic resistance genes for selection and a multiple cloning site for the insertion of desired genes, enabling the production of transgenic plants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic features of the miniTi vector plasmids relate to their origin from the Ti plasmids of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, which have been engineered as shuttle vectors to facilitate the introduction of genes into plant cells. These modified miniTi vectors have the tumor-causing genes removed and often carry antibiotic resistance genes for selection purposes. The ease with which they can introduce foreign DNA is central for creating transgenic plants. The gene of interest is initially cloned into the Ti plasmid, followed by the integration of this modified plasmid into plant cells, where the gene of interest then recombines into the plant cell's genome.
In addition, plasmids should possess properties such as a multiple cloning site (MCS), which is a DNA sequence that contains multiple sites cuttable by commonly available restriction endonucleases. These enzymes create sticky ends which facilitate the insertion and ligation of the desired DNA fragment. Lastly, plasmids function independently of chromosomal DNA, and can replicate within the bacterial host, aiding in the proliferation of the inserted gene.