Tissue Culture - Paper 1

Question 1

What is micropropogation also sometimes referred to as?

Answer 1

Tissue culture

Question 2

Give two benefits of cloning via cuttings rather than micropropagation

Answer 2

Cuttings is quicker
Cuttings is cheaper
Cuttings requires less technical expertise/equipment
Don’t have to worry about sterilisation so much for cuttings

Question 3

What is an explant?

Answer 3

A small piece of plant that can develop into a clone

Question 4

Plants can be cloned by micropropagation
Suggest how the tissue samples are removed and transferred to the agar medium

Answer 4

Cut the plant with a knife
Transfer with tweezers
Use aseptic techniques / sterilise equipment

Question 5

Plants can be cloned by micropropagation.
Nutrients are added to the agar medium to help plant growth.
Give two nutrients that should be added to the agar medium. Explain how each nutrient helps plant growth.

Answer 5

Nitrates for amino acids/proteins / DNA / genetic material etc
Phosphates for DNA / genetic material / ATP / cell membranes etc
Glucose/sucrose for energy/ATP/respiration
Magnesium for chlorophyll/chloroplasts

Question 6

What is tissue culture?

Answer 6

A method of growing living tissues or cells in a suitable medium to produce clone plants