Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026

Author Spotlight: Optimizing Hairy Root-Based Transformation Protocols for Enhanced Efficiency in Brassicaceae
Published on: December 22, 2023
Characterization of transgenic plants derived from hairy roots ofHyoscyamus muticus
N Sevón1, B Dräger2, R Hiltunen1
1Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, (Viikinkaari 5), PO Box 56, FIN-00014, Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract:
Mature plants were regenerated via protoplasts fromAgrobacterium rhizogenes-transformed root cultures ofHyoscyamus muticus L., and chemical analyses were performed on 34 individual plants. The regenerated plants showed strong phenotypic differences from clone to clone as well as from the control plants. Polymerase chain reaction studies revealed that the plants exhibiting the strongest phenotypic alterations contained therol (A, B and C) genes, whereas the plants with fewer alterations had lost them. The plants produced hyoscyamine, scopolamine and a range of different calystegins, and considerable somaclonal variation was observed. Alkaloid production in the plants transgenic for therol genes was clearly reduced. The pattern of calystegins was similar within all the regenerated plants lackingrol genes. Among the plants withrol genes, the calystegin B1 was not detectable. It seems clear that the presence ofrol genes is detrimental to the alkaloid accumulation in the transgenic plants in contrast to hairy root cultures.
Related Concept Videos
Transgenic Plants
The first-ever transgenic plant was a tobacco plant developed in 1983 that showed resistance against the tobacco mosaic virus. Since then, many transgenic plants have been developed and commercialized for improving the agricultural, ornamental, and horticultural value of a crop plant. Transgenic...
Plant Hormones
Basic Plant Anatomy: Roots, Stems, and Leaves
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
Meristems and Plant Growth
Key Elements for Plant Nutrition

