Plant transformation methods — What is a key advantage set of the microprojectile (biolistic, gene gun) method compared with microinjection for delivering DNA into plant cells?

Introduction / Context:
Two classic physical methods for plant transformation are microinjection and microprojectile bombardment (biolistics). Understanding their comparative advantages is essential for selecting the appropriate technique across species and tissues, especially when cell walls pose a barrier.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Microinjection uses glass micropipettes and typically requires large, wall-less target cells (e.g., protoplasts).
• Biolistics uses high-velocity DNA-coated particles to penetrate cell walls and membranes.
• Throughput and universality differ between these techniques.

Concept / Approach:
The biolistic method can transfect intact tissues (callus, embryos, leaves) without enzymatically removing cell walls. It can target many cells in a single shot and is applicable across a broad range of species, sizes, and tissues, including monocots historically recalcitrant to Agrobacterium-based methods.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Protocol literature and manufacturer guides document successful transformations in cereals, dicots, algae, and even organelles (plastid transformation), underscoring the approach’s breadth.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Each single statement (a–c) is true, but the most complete answer is the combined option.
• “Requires no specialized equipment” is false; gene guns and optimization are needed.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing microinjection’s precision with practicality; although precise, microinjection is low-throughput and usually requires protoplasts.

Final Answer:
all of the above