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Intact Genomics (IG) is the largest and earliest provider of agrobacterium competent cells in the market. We provide the highest quality agrobacterium competent cells to customers and distributors worldwide. We also developed the first high-efficiency chemically agrobacterium competent cells in 2020. Using propriety methods, Intact Genomics has developed and manufactured a variety of Agrobacterium competent cells to support the development of plant transformation and agricultural research.

Scroll down to find our collection of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, agrobatecium rhizogens and Methionine and Thymidine Auxotrophic Agrobacteria competent cells.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens Competent Cells

Agrobacterium tumefaciens was first isolated from the gall tissue and identified as the cause of crown gall disease (Smith and Townsend, 1907). Over 100 years study of A. tumefaciens has not only revolutionized plant molecular genetics and breeding, but also given birth to a whole new biotech industry dedicated to the genetic transformation of plants and the production of  recombinant proteins by plant tissues. In nature, species or strains of  agrobacteria infect more than 600 members of most of the plant families. IG Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains include EHA105, LBA4404, GV3101, AGL-1 and more. All are useful for plant transgenic operations in a variety of species.

Agrobacterium rhizogenes Competent Cells

Agrobacterium rhizogenes (or Rhizobium rhizogenes) is a Gram-negative soil bacterium that produces hairy root disease in dicotyledonous plants. Hairy root culture systems are considered as green factories for mass production of valuable molecules, because of their several attractive features, including high genetic and biochemical stability, and relatively fast growth rates in hormone-free media. Examples of pharmaceutically relevant molecules produced by transformed root culture include anticancer (e.g., paclitaxel and camptothecin), antimalarial (e.g., artemisinin; its discovery was awarded Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 2015), and anti-inflammatory (verbascoside) compounds, among others. Besides as green factories for high-value molecules biosynthesis A. rhizogenes–mediated transformations are utilized to elucidate biosynthetic pathways and physiological processes, generate recombinant therapeutic proteins, assist molecular breeding, and enhance phytoremediation efforts. IG Agrobacterium rhizogenes strains include AR.A4, Ar.Qual, K599, MSU440 and more. All are useful for plant transgenic operations in a variety of species.

Methionine and Thymidine Auxotrophic Agrobacteria Competent Cells

We also provide a variety of highly unique strains. This includes Methionine and Thymidine Auxotrophic Agrobacteria competent cells. After transformation, antibiotics are commonly used to remove Agrobacterium. However, even in the presence of antibiotics, there can be overgrowth of the Agrobacterium strain. Auxotrophic Agrobacteria help to solve this problem. Methionine or Thymidine Auxotrophic Agrobacterium strains include modifications so that they will not grow unless methionine or thymidine is added to Minimal medium. Using the selections of minimal media without Methionine or Thymidine in combination with selective antibiotics, it completely prevents the bacteria from overgrowing plant tissues during plant transformation.

Intact Genomics’ Methionine Agrobacterium strains were originally cloned and provided by Dr. Wayne Parrott’s lab under license from University of Georgia. Thymidine Agrobacterium strains were originally cloned and provided by Dr. Kan Wang’s lab under license from Iowa State University. Knocking out genes to cause auxotrophy does not affect transformation capacity.

Benefits include:

  • Enables development of more efficient transformation systems.
  • Reduced bacterial overgrowth during co-cultivation.
  • Decreased need for antibiotics.