Summary
Growing whole plants from small explants on sterile media with defined hormones, enabling cloning.
In depth
Explants on media with auxin and cytokinin form callus (undifferentiated cells), then shoots and roots depending on the hormone ratio. Used for mass propagation (orchids, bananas), virus-free plants and transformation. Plants are totipotent.
Sterile conditions are essential. Callus can be induced from explants; adjusting hormones directs organogenesis. Applications: meristem culture produces virus-free plants and protoplast fusion creates hybrids.
Key idea: plants can regenerate from single differentiated cells because they retain totipotency.
Frequently asked questions
What is Plant Tissue Culture?
Growing whole plants from small explants on sterile media with defined hormones, enabling cloning.
Which area of biology covers Plant Tissue Culture, and how advanced is it?
Plant Tissue Culture is one of the 56 topics in Plant Biology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Plant Hormones, Plant Genetic Engineering, Gravitropism.
Can you give an example of Plant Tissue Culture?
Micropropagation produces thousands of clones from one plant.
What should I learn before Plant Tissue Culture?
Work through the Beginner topics in Plant Biology first, such as Plant Kingdom, Photosynthesis, Chlorophyll, then return to Plant Tissue Culture. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Plant Tissue Culture?
The closest topics to Plant Tissue Culture are Plant Hormones, Plant Genetic Engineering, Gravitropism, Abscisic Acid and Drought. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Plant Tissue Culture?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Plant Tissue Culture. To practise the whole of Plant Biology, use the Plant Biology quiz.
How is Plant Tissue Culture different from Plant Hormones?
Plant Tissue Culture: Growing whole plants from small explants on sterile media with defined hormones, enabling cloning. Plant Hormones: Auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, abscisic acid and ethylene regulate growth, development and responses. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Plant Tissue Culture step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Plant Hormones and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Plant Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.