Cloning and Biotechnology

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Reproductive cloning is the production of a new indivdual with the genotype of an existing one.

Non-reproductive cloning supplies replacement cells whose genotype matches that of an existing one

Plant vegetative propagation is a form of natural cloning. English Elm Trees reproduce this way, by using suckers.

Tissue culture or micropropagation, is used for plants that are difficult to grow from seed, do not reproduce asexually, are hybrids which don't breed true or are genetically engineered.

1) Explants of meristematic tissue are taken from developing plants and are surface sterilised.

2) In aspetic conditions, the explants are placed in a growth medium containung sucrose, amino acids, vitamins, i oragnic ions and plant growth regulators that stimulate mitosis

3) A callus - a mass of undifferentiated cells - forms

4) Small pieces of callus are transferred to a new growth medium containing plant hormones to trigger root and shoot differentiation.

5) Plantlets are formed, which are transferred via a hardening medium into sterile soil

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