803644 UE Plant tissue culture (2005S)

ECTS-Punkte: 6
Isolated plant cells, organs or tissue are cultivated on nutrient medium under aseptic conditions. In vitro systems are suitable models for studying developmental and differentiation processes. Further applications include plant breeding, production of secondary metabolites, ex situ conservation of genetic resources, genetic transformation, coculture with microorganisms and commercial plant propagation (e.g. orchids).
The aim of this practical is to demonstrate different methods and applications of plant cell and tissue culture. Tissue cultures will be set up starting with the preparation of nutrient media, surface sterilization as well as a basic understanding of how to work aseptically. The use of plant growth regulators on growth and morphogenesis will be studied. Experiments on regeneration and propagation systems (somatic embryogenesis, organogenesis, microcutting, cell suspension, protoplasts, meristem and anther culture), transformation with Agrobacterium tumefaciens (wildtype and gfp-labelled) will be performed and evaluated. In addition, cryopreservation, production of artificial seeds as well as assessment of DNA genetic stability (ploidy level) via flowcytometry will be demonstrated.