Specialized Techniques in Embryo and Tissue Culture Techniques

Question 1

The technique of maintaining and growing plant cells, tissues or organs especially on artificial medium in suitable containers under controlled environmental conditions.

Answer 1

Plant tissue culture

Question 2

Advantages of Plant Tissue Culture

Answer 2

-In a relatively short time and space a large number of plantlets can be produced starting from the single explants.

-Production of multiples of plants in the absence of seeds or necessary pollinators to produce seeds

-Plants are free of pests, pathogens and viruses

Question 3

Disadvantages of Plant Tissue Culture

Answer 3

-Setting up of a plant tissue culture laboratory is very expensive.

-Should only be handled by highly trained people.
If the explant used is susceptible to disease, all the plants of this cloned stock will share this undesirable traits.

-Requires high precaution measures.

-Genetic diversity is reduced.

Question 4

The type of tissue culture that is primarily used for plants such as orchids. For this method, explants (tissue from the plant) are obtained from an in-vitro derived plant and introduced in to an artificial environment, where they get to proliferate.

Answer 4

Seed culture

Question 5

The type of tissue culture that involves the isolation of an embryo from a given organism for in vitro growth

Answer 5

Embryo culture

Question 6

A type of tissue culture that involves isolating an organ for in vitro growth

Answer 6

Organ Culture

Question 7

To refer to unspecialized, unorganized and a dividing mass of cells. A callus is produced when explants (cells) are cultured in an appropriate medium.

Answer 7

Callus

Question 8

Involves the growth of a callus (composed of differentiated and non- differentiated cells), which is followed by a procedure that induces organ differentiation

Answer 8

Callus Culture

Question 9

Is the first phase of tissue culture. The tissue of interest is obtained and introduced and sterilized in order to prevent any microorganism from negatively affecting the process. It is during this stage that the tissue is initiated in to culture.

Answer 9

Initiation Phase

Question 10

The second step of tissue culture where the in vitro plant material is re- divided and then introduced in to the medium.

Answer 10

Multiplication Phase

Question 11

This phase that roots are formed. Hormones are required in order to induce rooting, and consequently complete plantlets.

Answer 11

Root Formation