Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Somatic embryogenesis involves inducing plant cells to form embryos artificially. Zygotic embryogenesis occurs naturally through the fertilization of an ovule.
Is somatic embryogenesis asexual?
Yes, somatic embryogenesis is a method of asexual reproduction used for cloning plants and genetic transformation.
Is somatic embryogenesis the same as micropropagation?
No, micropropagation involves asexual reproduction from plant parts, while somatic embryogenesis transforms somatic cells into embryonic stem cells to grow into plants.
Is organogenesis the same as somatic embryogenesis?
No, organogenesis develops plant organs, whereas somatic embryogenesis focuses on growing embryos from somatic cells.
What are the developmental pathways of somatic embryogenesis?
Somatic embryogenesis progresses through stages including proembryogenic mass formation, somatic embryo development, maturation, desiccation, and plant regeneration.
Somatic Embryogenesis - Types, Process, Stages, and Factors
Somatic Embryogenesis involves growing plant embryos from body cells, bypassing sexual reproduction. Somatic Embryogenesis NEET notes are provided in the article below for detailed information.
Khushboo Goyal2 Jun, 2025
Share
Somatic Embryogenesis: Embryos vary widely and can generally be classified into two main categories: zygotic and non-zygotic embryos. Zygotic embryos develop from the zygote, which is a fertilized egg. In contrast, non-zygotic embryos can be divided into several subtypes:
Somatic Embryos: These embryos are derived from sporophytic cells in laboratory conditions. When somatic embryos arise directly from other organs or embryos, they are called adventive embryos.
Androgenetic Embryos: These develop from male gametophytes.
Parthenocarpic Embryos: These originate from unfertilized eggs.
Somatic embryogenesis, the process of developing somatic embryos, is a powerful biotechnological tool with significant potential in fields such as clonal propagation and genetic transformation. This process was first demonstrated by Stewart in 1958 using carrots in a suspension culture.
What is Somatic Embryogenesis?
Somatic embryogenesis is a process where somatic cells develop into somatic embryos. This method offers several key benefits over zygotic embryogenesis. It allows for easy monitoring of the embryogenesis process, provides control over the environment and development stages of the somatic embryos, and enables the production of a large number of embryos. Detailed NEET biology notes on somatic embryogenesis are provided in the article below.
Somatic embryogenesis is an important process in plant biotechnology where embryos are formed from somatic cells, which are regular cells not usually involved in embryo formation. These embryos develop through stages similar to those of zygotic embryos, which are formed from fertilization, and can eventually grow into whole plants. There are two main types of somatic embryogenesis: direct and indirect.
In direct somatic embryogenesis, embryos form directly from the explant (a piece of tissue taken from the plant) without first forming a callus. This method is less common but is preferred because it is faster and more efficient. Types of explants that are more likely to undergo direct somatic embryogenesis include immature zygotic embryos, pollen grains, and the outer cells of leaves.
Indirect somatic embryogenesis is the more common pathway. In this process, embryos develop from a callus, which is a mass of undifferentiated cells that forms from the explant. The callus is induced by culturing the explant on a medium with specific plant growth regulators (PGRs). These PGRs usually include a high concentration of auxin, such as 2,4-D, to promote cell division and growth. Once the callus has formed, the
PGRs are modified to encourage embryo development. This typically involves lowering the auxin concentration and adding cytokinins, which stimulate the development of shoots and roots. The somatic embryos then mature, gaining the ability to germinate and grow into whole plants.
Somatic Embryogenesis Process
Somatic embryogenesis process involves three main steps: induction of embryogenesis, embryo development, and embryo maturation.
The principle behind somatic embryogenesis is based on the totipotency of plant cells, highlighting two key aspects of plant embryogenesis:
Fertilization can be substituted by an internal mechanism.
Various plant cells, not just fertilized egg cells, can regain the ability to form an embryo.
Because somatic embryogenesis does not require fertilization, it allows for faster and large-scale plant propagation. Additionally, it facilitates genetic transformation of plants and serves as a valuable method for the cryo-storage of embryos and germplasm.
Somatic embryogenesis is a process that allows plants to produce embryos from somatic cells (any cell other than reproductive cells). This technique has numerous applications in agriculture, horticulture, and conservation biology. The following are stages of somatic embryogenesis:
1. Initiation: This stage begins with the selection of explant material, which is then sterilized and cultured on a medium with high levels of auxins, particularly 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), to promote the formation of embryogenic callus. 2. Formation of Embryogenic Cells: The callus cells differentiate into embryogenic cells that can develop into embryos. These cells are typically small, round, and densely packed with cytoplasm and have prominent nuclei. 3. Embryo Development: The embryogenic cells progress through several developmental stages:
Globular Stage: The first visible stage where small, round embryos form.
Heart Stage: The embryos start to take on a heart shape, indicating the beginning of cotyledon formation.
Torpedo Stage: The embryos elongate and resemble a torpedo; this stage is essential for the development of the embryo's axis.
Cotyledonary Stage: The embryos develop cotyledons and start to resemble mature zygotic embryos.
4. Maturation: During this stage, somatic embryos mature by accumulating storage materials such as lipids, proteins, and starches. This stage may also include desiccation treatments to enhance embryo quality and germination rates. 5. Germination: Mature somatic embryos are transferred to germination media, which usually has reduced auxin levels and may contain gibberellins to promote the development of shoots and roots. 6. Plantlet Formation: The germinated embryos develop into plantlets with distinct shoots and root systems. These plantlets are then acclimatized to conditions outside the laboratory before being transferred to soil.
Each step is essential and requires precise control of environmental conditions and growth regulators to ensure successful plant regeneration.
Factors Affecting Somatic Embryogenesis
Somatic embryogenesis is a multifaceted process influenced by various factors. The following are the key factors affecting somatic embryogenesis:
1. Explant: This refers to the type of tissue used to start embryogenesis. In most plant species, immature zygotic embryos serve as the ideal explants. The developmental stage and genetic composition of the explant tissue also impact the process. For instance, juvenile explants typically produce more somatic embryos compared to older explants. 2. Genotype: Different plant varieties exhibit different capacities for somatic embryogenesis. Some species are inherently more responsive than others, and this variability can even be observed among closely related cultivars of the same species. 3. Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs): Auxins and cytokinins are the primary PGRs affecting somatic embryogenesis. Auxin, especially in the form of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), is often necessary to initiate embryogenic callus formation. Cytokinins, such as kinetin and benzyladenine (BA), influence both somatic embryo development and shoot regeneration. Achieving the optimal balance of these hormones in the culture medium is essential for successful embryogenesis. 4. Nitrogen Source: The type of nitrogen in the culture medium can influence somatic embryogenesis. Most plant species respond better when nitrate (NO3-) is the sole nitrogen source. 5. Other Factors: Several additional factors also affect somatic embryogenesis, including:
Carbohydrate Source: Sucrose is the most commonly used sugar in culture media, although other sugars like maltose and lactose may also be beneficial.
Vitamins and Minerals: These are essential for plant growth and development, and their presence in the culture medium is necessary for somatic embryogenesis.
Culture Conditions: Factors such as light, temperature, and pH can all impact somatic embryogenesis. Typically, cultures are grown in the dark or under low light conditions, at a temperature of 25-28°C, and at a pH of 5.5-5.8.
By optimizing these factors, scientists can enhance the efficiency of somatic embryogenesis for a wider range of plant species. This technique has numerous applications in plant propagation, conservation, and genetic engineering.
Somatic embryogenesis, where plant cells transform into embryos and develop into entire plants, is a highly useful tool for researchers and agriculturists. Below are its main uses:
Clonal Propagation: This method allows for creating exact copies (clones) of a plant with desirable traits. It's especially beneficial for plants that are hard to propagate conventionally. For example, a fruit tree producing high-quality fruit can be cloned to establish an orchard with identical characteristics.
Virus Elimination: Somatic embryogenesis offers a way to remove viruses from plants. During this process, plant cells are checked for viruses, and only virus-free cells can develop into embryos. This results in plants free from viral infections, suitable for further propagation.
Genetic Transformation: This technique enables the introduction of new genes into plants. Embryos can be modified with desired genes, leading to plants with enhanced traits such as disease resistance or tolerance to pests or herbicides.
Synthetic Seed Technology: To create synthetic seeds, somatic embryos can be enclosed in a protective coating. These seeds are disease-free, uniform in size, and have longer storage than traditional seeds. This is particularly advantageous for plants with seeds that don't store well naturally.
Germplasm Conservation: Somatic embryogenesis is crucial for preserving the genetic diversity of plants. Embryos can be preserved at very low temperatures for long periods, which helps conserve rare or endangered plant species for future generations.
Application in Woody Plants: This technique is highly beneficial for woody plants like trees, which often have complex propagation requirements. It provides a reliable method for large-scale production of these plants, important for forestry and conservation efforts.
These are just a few of the many applications of somatic embryogenesis. As research progresses, this technique is expected to become even more significant in plant science and agriculture.
Somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis are two techniques used in plant tissue culture:
Somatic Embryogenesis: This process imitates the natural formation of seeds, where non-reproductive cells (somatic cells) develop into embryos without fertilization. These embryos can then mature into complete plants.
Organogenesis: In this method, plant tissues are stimulated to produce new organs such as roots or shoots directly from either the original tissue or from a callus (a cluster of undifferentiated cells). There are two main pathways for organogenesis in plants:
Direct Organogenesis: Organs develop directly from the explant (the tissue used for culture) without an intermediate callus stage.
Indirect Organogenesis: This involves a two-step process where the explant first forms a callus, which then differentiates into organs.
The process is controlled by plant hormones like auxins and cytokinins, which determine the type of organ that will form. For instance, a higher concentration of auxin relative to cytokinin typically promotes root formation, while a higher concentration of cytokinin relative to auxin favors shoot formation.
PW's NEET Online Coaching program is perfect for students who are repeating the NEET examand want to prepare confidently. With experienced teachers, thorough study materials, and regular tests, students can achieve their goal of becoming doctors. PW also provides the Yakeen NEET 2025 series specifically for droppers, available in English and Hindi, making it an excellent option for those preparing to repeat the exam.
