Methods to Transfer Foreign Genes to Plants

Genome sequencing of several organisms has resulted in the rapid progress of genomic studies. Genetic transformation is a powerful tool and an important technique for the study of plant functional genomics, i.e., gene discovery, new insights into gene function, and investigation of genetically controlled characteristics. In addition, the function of genes isolated using map-based cloning of mutant alleles has been confirmed by functional complementation using genetic transformation. Furthermore, genetic transformation enables the introduction of foreign genes into crop plants, expeditiously creating new genetically modified organisms. Gene transformation and genetic engineering contribute to an overall increase in crop productivity (Sinclair et al., 2004).