Plant Cell Totipotency and Regeneration

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on plant cell totipotency and regeneration, aiding in comprehension and retention for exam preparation.

Totipotency

The capacity of a single somatic cell to regenerate a complete, functional plant under controlled laboratory conditions.

Callus Formation

A proliferating mass of undifferentiated cells lacking organized structure, derived from plant tissue explants.

Organogenesis

The de novo formation of shoots or roots from cultured plant tissues.

Somatic Embryogenesis

The formation of embryo-like structures from somatic (non-reproductive) cells, mimicking zygotic embryo development.

Dedifferentiation

The process by which differentiated plant cells lose specialized functions and revert to a less specialized state.

Redifferentiation

The process through which dedifferentiated cells acquire new developmental identities distinct from their original cell type.

Auxin

A plant hormone that promotes cell division, embryogenic competence, and root formation.

Cytokinin

A plant hormone that stimulates shoot initiation and development.

Cryopreservation

The preservation and storage of cells, tissues, and organs at extremely low temperatures to maintain biological integrity.

Embryo Rescue

An in vitro technique used to salvage immature or weak hybrid embryos that would otherwise abort, allowing them to develop into viable plants.

Regeneration Pathways

The distinct routes (organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis) that lead to the formation of whole plants from tissue cultures.

Genotypic Variation

Differences in regeneration efficiencies among various plant species or cultivars, influenced by genetic factors.

Aseptic Technique

Procedures that ensure the exclusion of unwanted microorganisms from culture systems in tissue culture practices.

Hormonal Control

The regulation of plant processes, including regeneration, through specific ratios of plant growth hormones such as auxins and cytokinins.

Epigenetic Regulation

The modification of gene expression through mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modification, without altering the DNA sequence.

Somaclonal Variation

Genetic changes that arise during tissue culture, leading to variability among regenerated plants.

Totipotent Cells

Cells that have the potential to differentiate into any type of cell, potentially leading to the formation of a complete plant.

Interactive Signals

External factors that influence the expression of totipotency in plant cells during tissue culture.

Meristematic Tissue

Tissue in plants that contains undifferentiated cells capable of division and forming new tissues.

Plant Biotechnology

The application of scientific tools and techniques, including molecular biology and tissue culture, to improve plants.