Question

Define biolistics.

Answer 1

Hint It is mainly a part of genetic engineering and used in genetic transformations. In this technique tiny metal pellets coated with DNA are propelled into living cells at high velocities into a cell.

Complete answer:
Biolistics mainly includes bombardment of tiny particles coated with DNA into living cells and is a commonly used method for genetic transformation of plants when either cells/tissues or intracellular organelles are impermeable to foreign DNA.
The plant cell walls are usually impermeable to foreign DNA therefore biolistic methods are used. This method has shown better results against the various barriers that hinder the delivery of foreign DNA inside the organelle/cell/tissue. Also, genes can be transferred through a gene gun that is part of the biolistic method.
In this method, a DNA or RNA construct adheres to inert particles (like gold or tungsten) to form a DNA or particle complex. This DNA or particle complex is bombarded on a targeted tissue in a vacuum to avoid contamination. The result of successful bombardment is achieved by accelerating a powerful shot to the targeted tissue.

Additional information:
Advantages of biolistics:
-This method is easy to use, rapid, and versatile.
-Small amounts of nucleic acids and only a few cells are required for efficient transformation.
-No carrier DNA is needed in this process
Large DNA fragments can be transferred as well as small interfering RNA for gene silencing.
-Many types of cells can be transfected, including non-dividing cells and plants.
Disadvantages of biolistics:
-Causes cell damage. For example: when pulses are of the wrong length or intensity it may cause pores of the cell to become too large or cause cell damage or rupture
-In Non-specific transport, materials are transported "in" and "out" of the cell during the duration of electro-permeability is relatively nonspecific. This may lead to ion imbalance that could cause improper cell function and cell death.
-Frequency of transformation is generally low
-Equipment and skill personal is required

Notes: The high density of the DNA complex is necessary as it increases the chances of bombardment speed toward a targeted tissue, which results in effective transformation. Additionally, only inert metal particles can be bombarded through a solution containing DNA surrounding the cell. Such a complex can be directly transferred to the plant cell once formed.