Micropropagation

Question 1

What is micropropagation

Answer 1

A technique of plant cloning via tissue culture

Question 2

What does tissue culture involve

Answer 2

The growth of plant tissues in a sterile medium enriched with hormones to stimulate cell growth and cell division

Question 3

1

Answer 3

Explant collection
- Explants are taken from the stem or root tips of parent plants as they have meristem cells

Question 4

Where are explants taken from

Answer 4

The stem or root tips of parent plants as they have meristem cells

Question 5

2

Answer 5

Sterilisation

Question 6

Why are explants sterilised

Answer 6

• To inhibit and remove growth of contaminants
• Reduces widespread infection and helps in healthy crop production

Question 7

3

Answer 7

Culture

Question 8

What occurs during culturing

Answer 8

• Sterilised explant cells are cultured on a nutrient-rich medium

Question 9

What does the nutrient rich medium supply

Answer 9

• Minerals, sugars, vitamins and growth hormones that support cell division and growth

Question 10

4

Answer 10

Development

Question 11

What occurs in development

Answer 11

• A callus is formed
• Callus cells are transferred to a specific medium with specific conditions
• This encourages root and shoot formation

Question 12

5

Answer 12

Transport

Question 13

What occurs in transport

Answer 13

• Plantlets are moved from medium to soil
• Can develop into mature plants