Question

(a) Mention any two advantages of micropropagation techniques.
(b) Write in brief how the process is carried out in the laboratory.
(c) Name any two important food plants grown commercially by this method.

Hint:

Micropropagation is a tissue culture technique useful for mass-producing uniform, disease-free plants.

Answer 1

• [(a)]
  • Large number of genetically identical plants can be produced rapidly.
  • Disease-free plants can be developed.
• [(b)]
  • Explants (small plant tissue pieces) are cultured in nutrient medium under sterile conditions.
  • Plant hormones stimulate cell division to form callus.
  • Callus differentiates into plantlets, which are later transferred to soil.
• [(c)]
  • Banana
  • Sugarcane