MICROPROPAGATION Meaning and
Definition
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Micropropagation is a vegetative propagation technique that involves the production of numerous genetically identical plants from a small piece of plant tissue, such as a shoot tip or a nodal segment, under aseptic or sterile conditions. This advanced method allows for the rapid multiplication of plant material in a laboratory setting.
The process of micropropagation typically begins with the selection of a suitable explant, which is a small piece of plant tissue that can be used to initiate plant growth. This explant is then carefully cleaned to remove any contaminants and placed in a nutrient-rich medium supplemented with plant growth regulators, such as cytokinins and auxins. These hormones stimulate the explant to divide and differentiate into multiple plantlets.
Micropropagation offers several advantages over traditional methods of plant propagation, such as the production of disease-free plants, the ability to rapidly propagate rare or endangered species, and the preservation of valuable genetic traits. It also allows for year-round propagation regardless of seasonal limitations and reduces the time required for plant multiplication.
However, micropropagation is a complex technique that requires careful attention to sterile techniques and precise control of growth conditions. Contamination can easily occur during the process, leading to the failure of the entire culture. Additionally, high costs and labor-intensive procedures can limit the wider application of micropropagation in commercial plant production.
Overall, micropropagation is a valuable tool in plant biotechnology that enables the mass production of genetically identical plants, offering a practical and efficient method for plant conservation, crop improvement, and commercial plant production.
Common Misspellings for MICROPROPAGATION
- nicropropagation
- kicropropagation
- jicropropagation
- mucropropagation
- mjcropropagation
- mkcropropagation
- mocropropagation
- m9cropropagation
- m8cropropagation
- mixropropagation
- mivropropagation
- mifropropagation
- midropropagation
- miceopropagation
- micdopropagation
- micfopropagation
- mictopropagation
- mic5opropagation
- mic4opropagation
- micripropagation
Etymology of MICROPROPAGATION
The word "micropropagation" is derived from two roots: "micro" and "propagation".
1. Micro: The prefix "micro" comes from the Greek word "mikros", meaning small. It is commonly used in English to denote something small or on a miniature scale. In the context of micropropagation, it refers to the small size of the plant material being used.
2. Propagation: The term "propagation" stems from the Latin word "propagare", meaning "to propagate" or "to multiply". It refers to the act of reproducing or multiplying plants, either sexually (through seeds) or asexually (through other means like cuttings, grafting, tissue culture, etc.).
Thus, "micropropagation" literally means the small-scale multiplication or reproduction of plants through a controlled laboratory technique.
