1. Introduction
Plant tissue culture success depends on cell type selection. Some cells have higher regenerative potential due to their totipotency and ability to divide, while others are less useful.
This lesson explores major plant cell types, their functions, and their relevance in tissue culture.
📌 Further Reading:
- Plant Cell Types and Functions
- Role of Meristematic Cells in Micropropagation
2. Major Types of Plant Cells in Tissue Culture
Different plant cells play different roles in growth and tissue culture.
| Cell Type | Characteristics | Usefulness in Tissue Culture |
|---|---|---|
| Parenchyma | Thin-walled, flexible, totipotent | ✅ Best for regeneration |
| Collenchyma | Thickened walls, provide support | ⚠️ Used for woody plants |
| Sclerenchyma | Very thick walls, dead at maturity | ❌ Not useful for culture |
| Meristematic | Actively dividing, undifferentiated | ✅ Essential for propagation |
📌 Further Reading: Plant Tissue Structure and Function
3. Parenchyma Cells: The Key to Tissue Culture
Parenchyma cells are the most important for tissue culture because of their totipotency.
3.1 Why Are Parenchyma Cells Used?
- Thin cell walls → Easier to manipulate.
- Remain undifferentiated → Can regenerate into any plant part.
- Respond well to growth hormones.
3.2 Where Are Parenchyma Cells Found?
- Leaves (mesophyll tissue).
- Stems (pith & cortex).
- Roots (storage tissue).
- Fruits (fleshy storage cells).
📌 Further Reading: Parenchyma Cells and Their Role in Tissue Culture
4. Meristematic Cells: The Natural Growth Centers
Meristematic cells are found in actively growing regions.
4.1 Where Are Meristematic Cells Found?
| Meristem Type | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Apical Meristem | Shoot/root tips | Enables vertical growth |
| Lateral Meristem | Stem circumference | Enables thickening growth |
| Intercalary Meristem | Between nodes | Found in monocots (grasses) |
4.2 Why Are Meristematic Cells Important?
- Actively dividing → Rapid cell production.
- Used in virus-free plant propagation (e.g., potatoes, bananas).
- Can regenerate entire plant organs.
📌 Further Reading: Meristem Culture for Virus-Free Plants
5. Other Cell Types and Their Limited Use in Tissue Culture
5.1 Collenchyma Cells
- Found in young stems and leaves.
- Provide structural support.
- Used in woody plant culture but not ideal.
5.2 Sclerenchyma Cells
- Thick-walled, lignified.
- Dead at maturity → Cannot divide.
- Not useful for tissue culture.
📌 Further Reading: Sclerenchyma Structure and Function