Reverse genetics
Reverse genetics is a discipline in which the approach of classical genetics is reversed. There is an attempt to meet by the induced change of characteristics of an organism ( mutagenesis) statements about which the genetic potential.
In reverse genetics is not regarded as a phenomenon and then researched according to the corresponding gene, but it is altered a gene segment at a predetermined location by targeted mutagenesis. Subsequently, it is investigated how this affects the function of a cell or an organism. From the changes is then deduced the function of the gene. The reverse genetics and their associated techniques ( mutagenesis, gene transfer, transfection) are essential tools of modern molecular genetics.
One of the most effective ways of targeted mutagenesis of genes whose homologs off via recombination, the so-called gene targeting. This technique is well established in yeast. It was first applied to plants by Reski and his colleagues at the moss Physcomitrella. Alternatively, the technology of artificial microRNAs was developed 10 years later.