Protoplast culture

• Also called somatic hybridization or fusion of vegetative cells.
• Other method than sexual cycle and lead to genetic recombination.
• Fusion of protoplast to produce new plant.

Method of protoplast isolation:

a) Mechanical method:

• Cutting edge liberate protoplasm.

b) Sequential enzymatic method:

• Cells first isolated and converted to protoplasm.

c) Mixed method:

• First plasmolyzing, cell isolation and degrading wall to release protoplasm directly.

Importance of protoplast isolation and culture

a) To develop novel hybrid that holds a plant of desired characteristics.

b) Help in crop improvement by somatic hybridization and cell modification.

c) The protoplast in culture can be regenerated into an entire plant.

d) Provides a tool for isolating protoplasts and exploring the possibilities of genetic engineering.