REVERSE GENETICS
Reverse Genetics Gene silencing and homologous recombination are two commonly used approaches used for targeted gene mutation, in contrast to non-targeted disruptions of genes achieved by transposon mediated and chemical mutagenesis. For such a model plant as Arabidopsis, T-DNA insertion mutants have been produced and are available for researchers(Krysan et al., 1999). It should be noted that transpositions are not completely random(Krysan et al., 2002) and thus mutation of all genes is not guaranteed. However the mutants are a valuable research tools for understanding the function of the gene. The required T-DNA insertion mutant can usually be ordered and detailed phenotypic analysis performed. Two novel approaches of reverse genetics: 1) targeted gene silencing by RNA interference and 2) TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes) – a recently developed reverse genetics technique. Targeted gene silencing Gene silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) is one of the mos...