Agrobacterium tumefaciens is

Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a species of bacteria that is known for its ability to transfer a portion of its DNA, called the T-DNA (transfer DNA), into plant cells. This process results in the formation of a tumor-like growth on the plant, known as a crown gall. Agrobacterium tumefaciens is commonly found in soil and infects a wide range of dicotyledonous plants.

Here's how Agrobacterium tumefaciens works and its role in genetic engineering:

1. Crown Gall Disease: In its natural state, A. tumefaciens causes crown gall disease in plants by transferring the T-DNA from its Ti (tumor-inducing) plasmid into the plant's genome. The T-DNA carries genes that promote the formation of tumors and the production of certain compounds that the bacteria use for nutrition.

2. Genetic Engineering Tool: Scientists have harnessed A. tumefaciens's natural ability to transfer DNA to plant cells and repurposed it for genetic engineering. By replacing the T-DNA region of the Ti plasmid with desired genes, researchers can use A. tumefaciens to introduce new genetic material into plant cells.

3. Plant Transformation: A. tumefaciens is commonly used as a tool for plant transformation. It is especially effective for transforming dicotyledonous plants, but some monocotyledonous plants can also be transformed using specific strains of the bacterium or modified methods.

4. Applications in Agriculture: The ability to introduce specific genes into plants using A. tumefaciens has led to the development of genetically modified crops with traits such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, and improved nutritional content.

In summary, Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a bacterium known for causing crown gall disease in plants. Its unique ability to transfer DNA to plant cells has been repurposed as a valuable tool in plant genetic engineering for research and agricultural applications.