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Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Micropropagation and Somatic Cell Hybridisation?

Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Micropropagation and Somatic Cell Hybridisation?

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Micropropagation and somatic cell hybridization are two different techniques used in plant biotechnology. Here are the key differences between them:

Micropropagation:

  1. Micropropagation is a technique used to produce a large number of genetically identical plantlets through tissue culture or somatic embryogenesis.
  2. The resulting plants, known as somaclones, are genetically identical to the parent plant, such as apple, tomato, or banana.
  3. This method is used for rapid propagation of plants, preservation of rare or endangered species, and production of disease-free plants.

Somatic Cell Hybridization:

  1. Somatic cell hybridization is a technique that fuses the protoplasts of two different plant cells, producing genetically dissimilar hybrids, such as the hybrid of potato and tomato known as Pomato.
  2. This technique allows manipulation of cellular genomes through protoplast fusion, resulting in novel interspecies or intergenic hybrids.
  3. Somatic cell hybridization is useful for studying and controlling gene expression, studying malignant transformations, studying viral replication, mapping genes or chromosomes, and producing monoclonal antibodies.

In summary, micropropagation is a technique used to produce genetically identical plantlets, while somatic cell hybridization is a method that fuses two different plant cells to create genetically dissimilar hybrids. Both techniques have their unique applications and advantages in plant biotechnology.

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  • What is the Difference Between Micropropagation and Somatic Cell Hybridisation?
  • Comparative Table: Micropropagation vs Somatic Cell Hybridisation

    • Comparative Table: Micropropagation vs Somatic Cell Hybridisation

    Here is a table comparing micropropagation and somatic cell hybridization:

    Feature Micropropagation Somatic Cell Hybridization
    Definition Micropropagation is a plant propagation technique that produces a large number of genetically identical plants. Somatic cell hybridization is a hybridization technique that produces new hybrids through the fusion of protoplasts.
    Purpose To propagate plants in a laboratory setting, often to preserve and propagate genotypes with superior germplasm. To create novel interspecies or intergenic hybrids by manipulating cellular genomes through protoplast fusion.
    Technique Involves the use of tissue culture methods to maintain and grow plant cells, tissues, or organs in a controlled environment. Involves the fusion of protoplasts, selection of hybrid cells, and identification of hybrid plants.
    Fusion Type N/A (no fusion involved) Fusion of protoplasts or cybrids, which are cells formed by the fusion of a nucleus from one parent and cytoplasm from both parents.
    Applications Micropropagation is used in plant breeding and tissue culture to create new plant varieties and preserve rare or endangered plant species. Somatic cell hybridization is useful for creating novel interspecies or intergenic hybrids, which can be used in plant breeding and genetic research.

    In summary, micropropagation is a technique used for plant propagation, while somatic cell hybridization is a technique used to create novel hybrids through the fusion of protoplasts.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.