constructed domesticated strains that no longer cause tumors but transfer any DNA of interest to plant cells. The major disadvantage of the highly efficient Agrobacterium system is that it does not work with all plant species, most notably the cereals. Other techniques use physical or chemical agents to transfer DNA into plant cells. Protoplasts, plant cells that have been stripped of their protective cell walls, will take up pure DNA when treated with certain membrane-active agents or with electroporation, a rapid pulse of high-voltage direct current. Once inside the cell, the DNA is integrated and the foreign gene will express. These two techniques largely depend upon the development of protoplast systems that retain the capacity to regenerate intact plants. Transgenic corn, rice, and soybean have been produced with these techniques, especially electroporation. Success rates, however, are low, and the techniques not very reproducible.
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