ABSTRACT
Gene transfer or DNA uptake refers to the process that moves a specific piece of DNA into cells. In plant breeding, techniques involving gene transfer through sexual and vegetative propagation are well established, the aim being to introduce genetic diversity into plant populations, to select superior plants carrying genes for desired traits and to maintain the range of plant varieties. This chapter provides a discussion on gene transfer methods. It explains some terms and expressions that will be used in the gene transfer methods. One of the main considerations for any gene transfer technique is the potential of the recipient cell to express the introduced gene. The transferred DNA may be expressed for only a short period of time following the DNA transfer process and this is called transient expression. Some genes are used both as selectable markers and reporter genes, whereas some are used either as selectable marker or as reporter genes.
