Genetic Engineering with Plants

Today there are no longer any basic problems involved in isolating and characterizing plant genes. Our knowledge of the structure and function of the genes so far sequenced provides a beginning understanding of gene regulation in plants. In connection with the recently developed methods of gene transfer to plant cells, the most important application is the production of plants with new characteristics through genetic engineering. Since the genes can be transferred from any kind of plant—indeed even from any organism—completely new possibilities are opened up for plant breeding. Genetic engineering has opened up completely new possibilities for plant breeding. Today there are no longer any basic problems in isolating and characterizing plant genes. Our knowledge of the structure and function of the genes so far sequenced provides a beginning understanding of gene regulation in plants. In connection with the recently developed methods of gene transfer to plant cells, the most important application is the production of plants with new characteristics through genetic engineering.