6.2.1 Plant Cloning Flashcards
Clones?
Genetically identical copies of a parent organism
Vegetative propagation?
Reproduction through vegetative parts rather than a specialised reproductive system
Advantages of asexual reproduction?
Good conditions for parent = good conditions for offspring; faster than sexual; spreads advantageous genes quickly; happens if sexual reproduction can’t
Disadvantages of asexual reproduction?
Risk of overcrowding due to rapid reproduction; mutation is the only source of genetic diversity; high susceptibility to disease
Taking cuttings?
Natural form of cloning plants
1st step of taking cuttings?
A non-flowering stem is selected (all resources available to grow new roots); make an oblique cut in stem (maximises surface are available for root development + rooting powder)
2nd step of taking cuttings?
Apply a hormone rooting powder to cut stem (prevents fungi growth and increases cutting success)
3rd step of taking cuttings?
Reduce leaves to 2-4 (minimises loss of water through transpiration but maintains photosynthesis)
4th step of taking cuttings?
Keep cutting well-watered to reduce water stress; cover with a plastic bag to keep air humid and reduce water loss
Micropropagation?
Making a large number of genetically identical offspring from a single parent plant using tissue culture techniques
Tissue culture?
The growth of tissues / cells separate from the organism
1st step of tissue culture?
Meristematic tissue is broken and cells are extracted- called the explant
2nd step of tissue culture?
Explant grown on sterile culture medium
3rd step of tissue culture?
Callus forms (group of undifferentiated cells); is split into individual cells for growth
4th step of tissue culture?
Callus cells transferred to a root-inducing medium + then a shoot inducing medium
5th step of tissue culture?
Plant lets are formed, genetically identical
6th step of tissue culture?
Plants transferred to compose and acclimated before being planted outside
