Cell and Tissue Culture Flashcards
Define the term clone.
Genetically identical.
Why are aseptic techniques used?
To prevent inoculation with unwanted cells or spores.
Define the term totipotency.
Undifferentiated cells in plants
Define the term callus.
Undifferentiated mass of cells
List the contents of minimal growth medium for mammalian cell cultures.
Balanced salt solution of amino acids, vitamins and glucose.
Why is a solid surface required as a culture vessel?
So the cells have something to adhere to.
Why is long term culturing of primary cell activity difficult?
The cells have a very limited life span
Where are the most common cell lines obtained from?
Derived from tumours or have been transformed to produce immortalised cell lines.
What are explants?
Small pieces of plant tissue that are placed on a solid medium to either promote shoot growth or callus growth.
Define the term protoplast.
Cells without cell walls
What does pluripotent mean?
Able to differentiate into many cell types.
Explants are grown on a medium containing growth regulates which cause tissue differentiation. Name 2 of them.
Cytokinins
Auxins
