Agrobacterium tumefaciens is most widely used for gene transfer bacause of

Options

A. It causes crown gall tumours
B. its ability to insert Ti plasmid into nuclear genome
C. It can grow anywhere
D. It has the ability to kill pathogenic bacteria

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Introduction to Agrobacterium tumefaciens**:
- Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a bacterium known for its ability to cause crown gall disease in dicotyledonous plants. This disease is characterized by the formation of tumors.

2. **Utilization of Tumor-Inducing Property**:
- The tumor-inducing property of Agrobacterium tumefaciens is harnessed for genetic engineering. The bacterium can transfer a specific segment of its DNA into the plant's genome, which can be utilized to introduce desirable traits.

3. **Role of T.I. Plasmid**:
- The T.I. plasmid (Tumor Inducing plasmid) is the key component in this process. This plasmid carries the genes responsible for tumor formation and can be modified to carry foreign DNA (the gene of interest).

4. **Modification of T.I. Plasmid**:
- Scientists can disarm the T.I. plasmid by removing the genes that cause tumor formation. They then insert the desired gene into the plasmid, allowing it to be transferred without causing disease in the plant.

5. **Gene Transfer Process**:
- Once the modified T.I. plasmid is introduced back into Agrobacterium tumefaciens, the bacterium can infect plant cells and transfer the foreign DNA into the plant's nuclear genome.

6. **Outcome**:
- The result is the incorporation of the desired gene into the plant's DNA, leading to the expression of new traits that can be beneficial for agriculture, such as pest resistance or improved nutritional value.

7. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, Agrobacterium tumefaciens is widely used for gene transfer primarily because of its ability to insert the T.I. plasmid into the nuclear genome of plants, facilitating the introduction of new genetic material.

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