Question

What is the purpose of adding inorganic salts in the culture medium for tissue culture?

• A. They act as an energy source for the explant
• B. They help in building up necessary proteins for growing explant
• C. They help in providing necessary macro and micronutrients to the explant
• D. They help in inducing cell divisions in the explant

Answer 1

The correct option is C They help in providing necessary macro and micronutrients to the explant

Plant tissue culture is the technique of maintaining and growing plant cells, tissues or organs in artificial medium under controlled environmental conditions.

The artificial medium used in tissue culture contains various ingredients for the growth. The medium comprises of several macromolecules, growth hormones and inorganics salts.

• Inorganic salts - Helps in providing necessary micro and macronutrients to the growing cells.
• Sugars - Sucrose, glucose, fructose, etc. to act as a source of carbon and energy.
• Amino acids - Act as nitrogen sources for building up proteins.
• Vitamins and growth hormones - Auxins, cytokinins, etc. are also added to the medium. These induce cell division, development and morphological changes in the explant.