Scientists have taken advantage of this naturally occurring transfer mechanism and have designed DNA vectors from the tumour-inducing plasmid DNA found in the bacteria that are capable of carrying desired genes into the plant. The engineered genes are inserted into the Agrobacterium vectors and enter the plant by the bacteria's own internal transfer mechanism.

The process of the cactus taking up this foreign DNA can be problematic as cacti cells (like all other plant cells) have very tough cell walls made of cellulose making microinjection techniques (for inserting the DNA) impenetrable. Due the fact that cacti are dicotyledonous, the DNA is thus able to be transported into the cactus on the bacterium, Agrobacterium tumifaciens, via the plasmid. With the involvement of enzymes to cut, trim and splice the DNA, it is transported into the cactus.
Cactus cells in tissue culture are fine candidates for genetic engineering and for the insertion of the keratin gene product.