Question

Explain micropropagation and somatic hybridization.

Answer 1

Micropropagation:
It is a type of tissue culture technique by which large number of plants propagules are produced.
In this technique, shoot apical meristem is used as explants. Using the proper proportion of
growth hormones and tissue culture techniques many shoot apices can be produced.
These shoot apices are called Micropropagules. These are genetically identical and from
them, individual plants can be obtained. eg : Potato, banana and orchids. [11/2]
Somatic hybridization:
The protoplast from two different plants can be made to fuse by using fusogenic agent as
polyethylene glycol (PEG). From the resultant combined protoplast by tissue culture, a new
plant variety can be produced.
e.g. Pomato = Potato + Tomato
Raphanobrassica = Raphanus + Brassica