Almost all transformation technology is based on tissue culture practices. The theory behind DNA targeting to regeneration competent cells will be presented. In most gene transfer systems, the ability to regenerate transgenic plants from transformed cultures is the limiting factor. Some plants regenerate only through shoot morphogenesis, some regenerate only through somatic embryogenesis, some regenerate through both processes, and some do not regenerate. The theory, principles, and proper interpretation of both model systems will be discussed.
Agronomic plants regenerate primarily through the process of somatic embryogenesis.
Regeneration of alfalfa, soybean, and the cereal crops will be given special consideration. The importance of growth regulators, nitrogen source, explant source, cultivar selection, and environmental conditions will be discussed. The influence of these and other factors on the physiology of regeneration will also be addressed. These lectures will cover the molecular genetic considerations of the DNA constructions for transformation. A large number of genes have been introduced into plants using transformation procedures.