Agrobacterium mediated gene transfer in plants

Agrobacterium mediated gene transfer is a method of genetically transforming plants. Agrobacterium tumefaciens causes crown gall disease in plants by transferring oncogenic T-DNA from its Ti plasmid into the plant genome. The process begins when wounded plant cells release phenolic compounds that are recognized by A. tumefaciens. This triggers the cleavage and stabilization of T-DNA by virulence genes, followed by its transfer into the plant nucleus through a type IV secretion system encoded by other virulence genes. Once integrated, the T-DNA causes tumors to form and benefits A. tumefaciens by altering plant cell physiology.