Difference Between Organogenesis And Somatic Embryogenesis: Process, Stages

Difference Between Organogenesis And Somatic Embryogenesis

Also Read:

• Embryogeny

• Polyembryony

• Different types of apomixis

What Is Organogenesis?

Organogenesis is the process by which certain organs—roots and shoots—from undifferentiated plant cells or tissues are formed in vitro, usually through tissue culture techniques.

Process of organogenesis

1. Initiation

• Explant selection and sterilisation

• Introduction of a culture medium with growth hormones

2. Callus Formation

• Explant develops into an undifferentiated mass of cells

• Proliferation of callus cells

3. Organ Formation (Roots, Shoots)

• Differentiation of callus cells to form roots and shoots

• Development of roots and shoots

Types Of Organogenesis

Organogenesis is the process of forming new plant organs like roots or shoots. It can be of two types based on how the organs develop from the plant tissue system. The types of organogenesis are:

Direct Organogenesis

• Organs develop directly from the explant without an intermediate callus stage

• Faster with less genetic variation

Indirect Organogenesis

• Organs develop from callus tissue that is developed from the explant

• More intense manipulation of tissue is possible

Applications Of Organogenesis

Organogenesis has many useful applications in plant science and agriculture. It helps in growing plants faster, improving crops, and creating genetically modified plants. The application of organogenesis is described below:

Horticulture

• Rapid multiplication of ornamental plants

• Propagation of rare and endangered species

Crop Improvement

• Development of disease-resistant and high-yielding varieties

• Genetic modification for desired traits

Genetic Modification

• Introduction of new genes into plants

• Production of transgenic plants

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Organogenesis

Organogenesis has several benefits for plant production, but also has some limitations. It is useful for mass propagation and crop improvement, but it needs careful handling and can lead to genetic changes. The advantages and disadvantages are given below:

Advantages

• Efficient propagation of plants

• Potential for genetic improvements

• Ability to produce large numbers of plants

Disadvantages

• Risk of somaclonal variation

• Requires skilled labour and controlled conditions

• Can be expensive

What Is Somatic Embryogenesis?

It is the process of making embryos from somatic or non-reproductive cells in vitro that may later develop into whole plants, hence allowing mass propagation and genetic manipulation.

Process Of Somatic Embryogenesis

1. Induction Phase

• Selection of somatic cells followed by culture in a medium containing specific growth regulators

• Embryogenic callus induction

2. Embryo Development Phase

• Differentiation of callus cells into proembryos

• Development of globular, heart-shaped, and torpedo-shaped embryos

3. Maturation Phase

• Maturation and development of characteristic features of the embryos

• Preparation for germination

4. Germination Phase

• Fully developed embryos grow into plantlets.

• Transfer to soil or other appropriate growing medium

Types Of Somatic Embryogenesis

Somatic embryogenesis is a process where embryos are formed from somatic (non-reproductive) cells. It is classified into two types based on how the embryos develop from the tissue. The types of somatic embryogenesis are:

Direct Somatic Embryogenesis

• Embryos directly form from the explant with no intermediate callus stage

• Uniform and genetically stable

Indirect Somatic Embryogenesis

• Embryos formed from callus tissue that is derived from somatic cells

• Can be manipulated and varied to a greater extent

Applications Of Somatic Embryogenesis

Somatic embryogenesis has many important uses in plant biotechnology. It helps in cloning plants, making synthetic parts of seeds, and storing plant material for a long time. The application of somatic embryogenesis is given below:

Clonal Propagation

• Mass production of genetically identical plants

• Conservation of elite genotypes

Synthetic Seed Production

• Encapsulation of somatic embryos for storage and sowing

• Easy handling and transportation

Cryopreservation

• Long-term storage of genetic material

• Conservation of endangered plant species

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Somatic Embryogenesis

Somatic embryogenesis has both benefits and challenges. It allows fast and accurate plant production but needs careful control and skilled handling. The advantages and disadvantages are given below:

Advantages

• High efficiency of plant regeneration

• Mass production is possible

• Genetic fidelity in clonal propagation

Disadvantages

• A laborious and complex process

• Risk of genetic and epigenetic changes

• Cultural conditions need accurate control

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