NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A gene gun and a virus may both be classified as vectors because they are mechanisms by which foreign DNA may be transferred into a host cell. Transgenic organisms are produced when DNA from another species is inserted into the genome of an organism, which then begins to use the foreign DNA as its own.

Detailed explanation-2: -The principle of gene gun is to deliver nucleic acids by bombarding target cells with nucleic acid-coated gold particles at high velocity (pressurized inert gas or high-voltage electronic discharge).

Detailed explanation-3: -The commonly used and most employed vector in gene therapy is the retroviral vector. They are used in both somatic and germline gene therapy.

Detailed explanation-4: -Particle bombardment, or biolistics, is a commonly used method for genetic transformation of plants and other organisms. Millions of DNA-coated metal particles are shot at target cells or tissues using a biolistic device or gene gun.

Detailed explanation-5: -To introduce an alien DNA, undifferentiated plant cells are the most suitable host cells for the gene guns. This is so because the undifferentiated plant cells have a cell wall which can be easily broken down by bombarding them with high-velocity micro-particles of gold or tungsten coated with DNA in a gene gun.