If a part of pith from the stem of a plant is used as an explant and c...
The portion of pith taken as an explant comprises of parenchymatous cells (i.e., simple permanent tissue which have lost the capcity to divide). When such cells are cultured on solid culture media, the parenchymatous cells of pith become meristematic and start dividing resulting in a mass of undifferentiated cells called callus. this is an example of dedifferentiation. These cells may be made to divide in different manners in order to produce different organs so that the meristematic cells of callus may become permanent tissues by the process of redifferentiation. for exmaple, treatment of certain hormones may lead to the differentitation of shoot buds or roots.
View all questions of this test
If a part of pith from the stem of a plant is used as an explant and c...
The correct answer is C) Dedifferentiation.
Dedifferentiation is the process by which specialized cells lose their specialized characteristics and revert back to a more primitive, undifferentiated state. In the case of plant tissue culture, dedifferentiated cells form a mass of cells called callus.
When a part of the pith from the stem of a plant is used as an explant and cultured on a nutrient medium, the cells in the explant undergo dedifferentiation. This means that they lose their specialized characteristics, such as their specific function or structure, and become undifferentiated cells.
Dedifferentiation is an important step in plant tissue culture because it allows the cells to regain their totipotency, which means they have the ability to develop into any type of plant cell. This is crucial for the regeneration of whole plants from a small piece of tissue.
During the dedifferentiation process, the cells divide rapidly and form a mass of undifferentiated cells known as callus. Callus is typically a soft, white or yellowish tissue that lacks any specific cell type or function. It serves as a source of cells for further manipulation and regeneration of plants.
Once the callus has formed, it can be further manipulated in tissue culture to induce differentiation and regenerate whole plants. This can be achieved by manipulating the nutrient medium, hormones, and growth factors in the culture. By providing the appropriate conditions, the callus cells can be induced to differentiate into specific cell types and eventually develop into whole plants.
In summary, when a part of the pith from the stem of a plant is cultured on a nutrient medium, the cells dedifferentiate and form an undifferentiated mass of cells called callus. Dedifferentiation is a crucial step in plant tissue culture as it allows the cells to regain their totipotency and ultimately develop into whole plants.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed NEET study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in NEET.