A new method has been developed to introduced foreign DNA into rice cells. Gene delivery occurs when a low-voltage electrophoresis at long pulse applied to a mixture containing partially digested SCG (small cell groups) and plasmid DNA. Gene-transfer efficiency is evaluated by a detection of GUS activity resulting from the chimeric plasmid DNA. The optimal combination of voltage and pulse produces a frequency of up to 8. 2% for transformation of SCG. The results demonstrates that electrophoretic drive is applicable to introduce foreign genes into plant cells.
