A mini binary vector series for plant transformation

A streamlined mini binary vector was constructed that is less than 1/2 the size of the pBIN19 backbone (3.5 kb). This was accomplished by eliminating over 5 kb of non-T-DNA sequences from the pBIN19 vector. The vector still r etains all the essential elements required for a binary vector. These inclu de a RK2 replication origin, the nptIII gene conferring kanamycin resistanc e in bacteria, both the right and left T-DNA borders, and a multiple clonin g site (MCS) in between the T-DNA borders to facilitate cloning. Due to the reduced size, more unique restriction sites are available in the MCS, thus allowing more versatile cloning. Since the traF region was not included, i t is not possible to mobilize this binary vector into Agrobacterium by trip arental mating. This problem can be easily resolved by direct transformatio n. The mini binary vector has been demonstrated to successfully transform A rabidopsis plants. Based on this mini binary vector, a series of binary vec tors were constructed for plant transformation.