Somatic embryogenesis

Somatic embryogenesis is the formation of embryo-like structures from non-reproductive plant cells, usually in culture. These structures can develop into whole plants without fertilization.

Plant cell totipotency: The capacity of a plant cell to regenerate a whole plant under suitable conditions. Somatic embryos arise because some differentiated plant cells can regain this developmental capacity.
Plant embryogenesis: The process by which a plant embryo forms and develops. Somatic embryogenesis reproduces key stages of embryo development outside sexual reproduction.
Micropropagation: The rapid clonal multiplication of plants using in vitro culture. Somatic embryos can provide many propagules from a small amount of starting tissue.
Somaclonal variation: Heritable or persistent variation arising among plants regenerated through tissue culture. Embryogenic culture can introduce genetic or epigenetic differences that disrupt clonal fidelity.
Auxin: A class of plant hormones that regulates growth and developmental responses. Auxin treatments commonly induce cells to enter embryogenic development.
Zygotic embryogenesis: Embryo development from a fertilized egg cell in plants. It is the reproductive route whose developmental pattern somatic embryos partially recapitulate.
Synthetic seed: An encapsulated somatic embryo or other propagule designed for handling and sowing like a seed. Somatic embryos can be encapsulated for storage, transport, and planting.
Epigenetics: The study of changes in gene activity that do not alter DNA sequence. Epigenetic reprogramming may help explain how somatic cells acquire embryogenic identity.
Callus: A mass of proliferating, relatively undifferentiated plant cells, often formed in culture. Somatic embryos may arise from callus produced during culture.
Plant tissue culture: The growth of plant cells, tissues, or organs under controlled sterile conditions. Somatic embryogenesis is induced and maintained through plant tissue culture.

Linked from 7 pages