Somatic fusion

A technique used in plant and fungal genetics

Protoplast fusion process

Somatic fusion, also known as protoplast fusion, is a technique used in genetics and biotechnology to combine two distinct cells into a single cell, known as a heterokaryon. This process is particularly useful in plant breeding and fungal genetics to create hybrids that possess desirable traits from both parent organisms.

Process

Somatic fusion involves the removal of the cell wall to produce protoplasts, which are cells devoid of their rigid outer layer. This is typically achieved using enzymes such as cellulase and pectinase. Once the protoplasts are prepared, they are induced to fuse using chemical agents like polyethylene glycol (PEG) or by applying an electric field in a process known as electrofusion.

The fusion of protoplasts results in the mixing of cytoplasm and the formation of a heterokaryon, which contains multiple nuclei from the different parent cells. Over time, these nuclei may fuse to form a single nucleus, resulting in a somatic hybrid.

Applications

Somatic fusion is widely used in agriculture and horticulture to produce new plant varieties with improved characteristics such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and enhanced nutritional value. It is also used in fungal research to study genetic recombination and to develop industrial strains for the production of enzymes and other valuable biochemicals.

Advantages and Limitations

One of the main advantages of somatic fusion is its ability to combine genetic material from different species that cannot be crossed by traditional sexual reproduction. This allows for the creation of interspecific hybrids with unique combinations of traits.

However, somatic fusion also has limitations. The process can be technically challenging and may result in genetic instability or somaclonal variation. Additionally, the regulatory and ethical considerations surrounding the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can impact the application of this technology.

Related pages

• Genetic engineering
• Plant tissue culture
• Hybrid (biology)
• Cell fusion