Expression of Foreign Genes Following Electroporation of Medicago Protoplasts

Electroporation is one of the methods for direct gene transfer. When it is applied a lot of parameters influence protoplast viability and gene uptake. This makes important to follow transient gene expression before stable transformation. Protoplasts from Medicago sativa and M. varia were electroporated with p DW2-DNA. CA T activity was determined to be as high as the standard bacterial enzyme in protoplast samples. The electroporation parameters determining high transient gene expression determined higher kanamycine resistance of protoplasts electroporated with pCa MVNEO-DNA. Regenerated plants preserved the antibiotic resistance.