Differentiate between direct and indirect method of gene transfer. Name one indirect method suitable for gene transfer in dicot plants.
Indirect gene transfer or vector-mediated gene transfer involves the use of a vector or genetic vehicle to carry the gene of interest into the host cell. This includes methods like Agrobacterium tumefaciens transformation, in planta transformation, and plant virus-mediated transfer.
Direct gene transfer or vector-less gene transfer involves physical or mechanical methods for direct entry of DNA into plant cells without using a vector. This includes particle bombardment (biolistics), protoplast transformation, and microinjection.
One indirect method suitable for gene transfer in dicot plants is Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation.
Explanation
The textbook clearly distinguishes between the two types: vector-mediated/indirect gene transfer uses vectors like Agrobacterium to transfer genes, while vector-less/direct gene transfer uses physical methods. For dicots, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is suitable as the text indicates particle bombardment is useful where Agrobacterium-mediated transformation may not be very successful (like cereals), implying Agrobacterium works well for dicots.