In the realm of plant tissue culture, gellan gum emerges as a reliable and effective tool. Its gel-forming properties contribute to the success of micropropagation, callus culture, somatic embryogenesis, and more. As researchers and cultivators continue to explore innovative techniques in plant biotechnology, gellan gum remains a valuable component in the toolkit for achieving successful and sustainable plant tissue culture practices.
The advatages of gellan gum are as belowing:
1. Gel Matrix for Micropropagation:
Gellan gum finds extensive use as a solidifying agent in plant tissue culture media. It is an excellent choice for creating a gel matrix that provides physical support to plant tissues during micropropagation. This three-dimensional structure aids in the growth and development of plant cells and tissues in vitro.
2. Shoot and Root Induction:
In plant tissue culture, the goal is often to induce the development of shoots and roots from explants. Gellan gum facilitates this process by creating a stable and consistent environment for the explants to grow. Its gel-forming properties allow for precise control over nutrient delivery and hormone interactions, promoting efficient shoot and root formation.
3. Callus Culture:
Gellan gum is commonly used in the initiation and maintenance of callus cultures. Callus, a mass of undifferentiated cells, serves as the starting point for regenerating entire plants. The gel structure provided by gellan gum supports the formation and growth of callus tissues, which can later be induced to differentiate into shoots or roots.
4. Micropropagation of Orchids and Other Plants:
Orchids, among other plants, benefit significantly from gellan gum in tissue culture. The gel matrix helps in the multiplication of orchid shoots and the production of healthy plantlets. Gellan gum's ability to form stable gels is crucial for supporting delicate plant tissues during the micropropagation process.
5. Somatic Embryogenesis:
Gellan gum plays a key role in somatic embryogenesis, a process where somatic cells undergo embryo-like development. This is particularly important for the efficient regeneration of plants from cells that are not part of the reproductive structures. The gel matrix created by gellan gum supports the development of somatic embryos, which can be later germinated to form whole plants.
6. Consistency and Reproducibility:
One of the key advantages of using gellan gum in plant tissue culture is the consistency it offers. The gel structure remains stable over time, providing a uniform environment for plant cells. This helps in achieving reproducible results and maintaining the genetic stability of the propagated plants.
