EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -The term somaclonal variation is defined as genetic variation that is present in plants regenerated from tissue cultures, either uncovered or induced by a tissue culture process (Larkin and Scowcroft, 1981).

Detailed explanation-2: -The main factors that influence the variation generated from tissue culture are (1) the degree of departure from organised growth, (2) the genotype, (3) growth regulators and (4) tissue source.

Detailed explanation-3: -Somaclonal variation is the variation seen in plants that have been produced by plant tissue culture. Chromosomal rearrangements are an important source of this variation. Somaclonal variation is not restricted to, but is particularly common in, plants regenerated from callus.

Detailed explanation-4: -10. In which of the following conditions do the somaclonal variations appear? (d) Plants transferred by a recombinant DNA technology. Sol: (a) Plants raised in tissue culture.