Question

Write a short note on culture media.

Answer 1

Culture media are nutrient solutions used for growing plant cells, tissues, or organs in vitro. They contain inorganic and organic salts, sugars (like sucrose), vitamins, and sometimes growth hormones such as auxins and cytokinins. The media can be solidified with agar. The pH is adjusted (around 5.8), and the media are sterilised by autoclaving to prevent contamination. Different media types are used depending on the plant and purpose, such as Murashige and Skoog’s medium. Culture media support cell growth, division, and differentiation in controlled conditions.