Gene Delivery Methods in Biotechnology — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2023This is not the only way to introduce alien DNA into host cells. In a method known as micro-injection, recombinant DNA is directly injected into the nucleus of an animal cell. In another method, suitable for plants, cells are bombarded with high velocity micro-particles of gold or tungsten coated with DNA in a method known as biolistics or gene gun. And the last method uses 'disarmed pathogen' vectors, which when allowed to infect the cell, transfer the recombinant DNA into the host.
NTA focuses on three key methods to introduce alien DNA: micro-injection (direct injection into animal cell nucleus), biolistics or gene gun (gold/tungsten particles coated with DNA, used for plants), and disarmed pathogen vectors (modified pathogens that transfer recombinant DNA). Students often confuse which method is used for plants versus animals—gene gun is specifically for plants, while micro-injection suits animal cells. The trick question asks which particles coat the DNA in gene gun; the answer is gold or tungsten. Remember: biolistics = plants + metal particles, micro-injection = animal nuclei + direct injection, vectors = disarmed pathogens for any cell type.
In gene gun method used to introduce alien DNA into host cells, microparticles of ___________ metal are used. (NEET 2023)
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