The application of recombinant DNA technology has revolutionized plant breeding in recent years. Genetic transformation in plant breeding greatly increases the gene pool and broadens the scope of genetic changes that modern breeders may draw upon. The first generation of genetically modified (GM) crop plants hold great promise in carrying new or improved agronomical traits that require less intensive farming methods or which have improved quality traits. These GM crop plants have been produced to improve farming production systems, aiming, for instance, to reduce negative impacts on the environment, such as fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. Genetically modified plants are created by the process of genetic engineering, which allows scientists to move genetic material between organisms with the aim of changing their characteristics. All organisms are composed of cells that contain the DNA molecule. Molecules of DNA form units of genetic information, known as genes. Each organism has a genetic blueprint made up of DNA that determines the regulatory functions of its cells and thus the characteristics that make it unique. Prior to genetic engineering, the exchange of DNA material was possible only between individual organisms of the same species. With the advent of genetic engineering in 1972, scientists have been able to identify specific genes associated with desirable traits in one organism and transfer those genes across species boundaries into another organism. This book on gene biotechnology is being prepared by keeping in view the requirement of the students and researchers in biotechnology, genetic engineering and other allied fields.
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