Plant Biotechnology: A Cost-Effective and Simple Simulation of Agrobacterium-Mediated Protein Expression in Plants

Understanding how the process of gene expression can be engineered to biomanufacture proteins for medical, agricultural, and industrial applications provides an opportunity to link basic concepts of molecular biology with applications. Here we present a simple activity that uses commonly available materials to simulate the process by which the bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens transfers genes to plants and allows students to visualize the expressed protein of interest. The activity provides an overview of transcription and translation, and how recombinant DNA technology has revolutionized the manufacturing of biological molecules. After students work through the overview worksheet and complete the hands-on activity, they will be able to summarize the roles of transcription and translation in plant gene expression. Students will also be able to explain the process of Agrobacterium-mediated gene expression and describe applications in plant biotechnology. This simulation activity is accessible to a wide range of students, easily adaptable to different proficiency levels, and provides a straightforward approach for students to explore the practical applications of biotechnology.