CONTENTS

TOPIC PAGE NO.

INTRODUCTION-
01 & 02
i. What is an embryo.
ii. Normal development of an embryo.

What Is An Embryo Culture? 03

Types Of Embryo Culture 04

Nutritional Requirements of Embryo Cultures 05

Composition of the Medium 06

Techniques And Handling 07

Factors Affecting Embryo Culture 07

Application Of Embryo Culture 08

Risks 09

Conclusion & References 10

INTRODUCTION
What Is An Embryo?

An embryo is an organism in the early stages of development which cannot survive on its own.

The precise definition of it varies-

• In humans, for example, a fertilized egg may be considered an embryo until around the eighth week of pregnancy,
at which point it is termed as Fetus.

• Embryos in animals typically indicate any pre-birth stage of development, including those in wombs or eggs.

• Plant embryos can take a number of different forms, though they are commonly encased in seeds.
Normal Embryo Development (Human)
What Is An Embryo Culture?
 Embryo culture is the culture of isolated immature or mature embryos.

 Used to produce Animals or plants from embryos that would not develop normally.

Types Of Embryo Culture

There are in two types of embryo culture-

I. Culture of Immature Embryo:

This type of embryo culture is mainly used to grow immature embryos which fail to germinate. Excising such embryos is

difficult and generally a complex nutrient medium is required.

II. Culture of Mature Embryos:

Mature embryos are excised and cultured mainly to avoid inhibition of germination. This type of culture is relatively easy as

embryo requires simple nutrient medium containing mineral salts, mineral salts, sugar and agar for growth and development.
Nutritional Requirements of Embryo Cultures
There are two phases in the embryo development and the nutritional requirement varies accordingly:

1.Heterotrophic phase-

This is an early phase and the embryo is mostly dependent on the endosperm and maternal tissues for nutrient supply.

2. Autotrophic phase-

This phase is characterized by the metabolic capability of the embryo to synthesize substances required for its growth
which slowly makes it independent.

The nutrient supply is highly variable at this phase which mostly depends on the type of embryo.
Composition of the Medium
I. Sucrose is most commonly used energy source.

II. Ammonium nitrate is the preferred source of nitrogen.

III. Various amino acids is frequently used.

IV. Liquid endosperm of coconut milk. The embryo factor is believed to supply certain amino acids, sugars, growth
regulators etc.

V. In general, growth regulators are not required, as they induce callus formation.

VI. Embryos grow well in the pH range of 5-7.5.

VII. An incubation temperature of 24-26°C is ideal.

VIII. Better growth of embryos is observed in darkness which are then transferred to light for germination.
Techniques And Handling
 Embryo are located in the sterile Environment of the Ovule, So surface sterilization of embryo is not necessary.

 Embryo is removed aseptically from the surrounding tissue.

 Embryo is often well protected by surrounding tissues, harsh procedure may be used in surface disinfection.

Factors Affecting Embryo Culture

i. Temperature.

ii. Humidity.

iii. Composition Of the Medium.

Application Of Embryo Culture
i. Overcoming Sterility.

ii. Clonal Micropropagation.

iii. Prevention of Embryo Abortion.

iv. Shortening of Breeding Cycle.

v. Overcoming Dormancy.

vi. Biotechnological Application.

vii. Rescuing Embryos from Incompatible Crosses.

viii. Embryo Culture now a days used in a lot of fields, such as agriculture, industry etc.
Risks
Animal studies have detected epigenetic abnormalities in embryos having undergone embryo culture, indicating

a need to optimize the procedures.

Conclusion
Now a days, Embryo culture solved many problems of Animal & Plant Biotechnology which was a cause of concern

for scientists.

References
www.intersono-ivf.com
www.sciencedirect.com
www.biologydiscussion.com
www.wisegeek.com
www.agriinfo.in
www.Wikipedia.com