Two very different techniques exist for giving a plant new genetic characteristics. But both share several steps. The DNA that encodes the genetic information for the desirable trait must be isolated. In Step 2a, the new DNA is linked to a circular ring of genetic material called a transfer plasmid.
Plasmids act like molecular taxicabs that carry genes from one place to another.
The plasmid can be absorbed by a bacterium that transfers it to plant cells. At Step 3a, the bacterium attaches to the plant cells, liberating the plasmid inside. At Step 5, the modified plant cells are identified and placed into a cell culture to multiply. As the cells reproduce, the new gene is reproduced along with them. The alternative pathway uses a completely different gene-delivery technique.