Somatic Embryogenesis

Somatic embryogenesis is a plant cell culture technique used to generate embryos from somatic cells, i.e. any non-sexual cell other than one in a gamete (egg or sperm). It has been used in biotechnology for the purpose of asexual propagation and genetic transformation of crops, as well as for conserving endangered plant species. The technique has been integral in developing hybrid varieties of plants, and has helped to improve the yield and longevity of commercially grown crops. It has also been applied to crops such as cacao and rice for producing disease-resistant varieties. The process of somatic embryogenesis is also significant in understanding the embryogenic development process, and the control of genetic expression in plants.