Question:

An example of anti-browning compound used in the tissue culture medium is :

Show Hint

Other anti-browning strategies:
1. Adding antioxidants (Ascorbic acid, Citric acid).
2. Frequent subculturing to fresh media.
3. Incubating in the dark initially.
Activated charcoal is the most common "physical" adsorbent.
  • Coconut milk
  • Activated charcoal
  • Gelatin
  • Agar
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
Lethal browning is a common problem in plant tissue culture, especially with woody species. It is caused by the oxidation of phenolic compounds released from wounded explants. The question asks for a compound used to prevent this.
Detailed Explanation:

The Browning Process:
When a tissue is cut (explant preparation), it releases phenols. The enzyme polyphenol oxidase (PPO) reacts with these to form quinones, which polymerize into brown pigments. These pigments are often toxic and inhibit the growth of the tissue.

Role of Activated Charcoal:
Activated charcoal has a very high surface-area-to-volume ratio and a strong capacity to adsorb molecules.
In tissue culture media, it is added to adsorb the phenolic compounds and their oxidized products before they can build up and poison the explant. This effectively prevents the medium from turning brown.

Analyzing other options:
Coconut milk: A complex natural supplement containing cytokinins and nutrients.
Agar: A solidifying agent derived from seaweed.
Gelatin: An alternative solidifying agent, but rarely used in modern plant tissue culture.

Step 2: Final Answer:

Activated charcoal is the standard anti-browning agent used in culture media due to its adsorptive properties.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top ICAR AIEEA Plant Biotechnology Questions

View More Questions