Glossary

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Microinjection

Targeted insertion of DNA or proteins into cells using a very fine glass pipette

During microinjection, a specially shaped glass pipette filled with the substance to be transferred, is inserted into the cell under a microscope.

Until now, microinjection has generally been used on animal cells. Microinjection is currently not very suitable for transforming plant cells because of the high pressure in the cells. When the pipette is inserted, the internal pressure of the plant cell collapses, leading to cell death.

Scientists are working on improving the microinjection process so that it can be used to transfer genes into plant cells as well