UNIT 6. Plant Embryology 6.1 Introduction 6.
2 Definition and scope of plant embryology
INTRODUCTION: Multicellular organisms begin their life as a single cell having
potential to develop into an entire organism. From early stage to mature stage of an
organism we can note number of changes leading to formation of cells or tissues,
differentiation and organization. Thus, an organized body of an organism is outcome of
all these developmental changes. Various groups of organisms show diversity in the
developmental process. To understand all these processes a systematic study of theme
is carried out in special branch of science known as developmental science
developmental botany and developmental zoology). Embryology is it's basic branch.
DEFINITION : In case of higher plants, like gymnosperms and angiosperms early
stage of life is an embryo. An embryo is multicellular organized body developed
from unicellular zygote or some times from any other potential cell. It further
develops into a mature plant body through the process of growth. Thus, in life cycle of
any organisms the distinct two stages are observed i.e. Embryonic stage and growth
stage which are changing younger organism to adult stage. Matured organism posseses
sexual organs producing gametes. A process of production of gametes is known as
gametogenesis. Male and female gametes fuse and produce zygote. This process is
known as fertilization. A zygote further develops into an embryo. It is known as
Embryogenesis. Thus, systematic study of all these stages is known as Embryology
Definition : A branch of science which deals with study of structure and development
which sexual organs (stamen and carpel), male gametophyte, female gametophyte,
fertilization and embryogenesis is known as Embryology.
Embryology
Androecium: Stamen
Gynoecium: Carpel,
Sporogenesis, spore
Microsporogenesis, Microspore (pollen grain)
Megasporogenesis, Megaspore
Gametogenesis,
Megagametogenesis
Fertilization
Double fertilization, Triple fusion
Embryogenesis
A) Scope in Plant Taxonomy : It is noted that comparative embryological studies of various
plant groups, many embryological characters can be used for characterization of taxons e.g.
m
B) Scope in Biotechnology: Experimental embryology has opened the doors for plant
biotechnology. By understanding a role and nature of the various tissues differentiated
during the embryonic stage one can use specific tissue for specific organ development.
Knowledge of embryology is highly essential to skilled biotechnologist working in the field
of plant tissue culture. e.g. for Isolation of embryo (embryo rescue technique), Isolation of
apical meristem, isolation of cambial tissue ( lateral meristem) etc. Applied embryology has
shown a way where by we can study components of plant body separately, can understand
the relationship between them and their ability to develop individually. For standardizing the
nutrients requirement for organogenesis and embryogenesis experimental embryology plays
vital role. Totipotency of the tissue is confirmed by the experimental embryology.
C) Scope in Histochemistry: Histochemical studies of embryonic tissue provide us an
information about the biochemical substances accumulated during the developmental and
differentiation, Stages of tissues. This information is valuable for determining the nutrient
requirements of the developing embryo as well to understand organic substances present in
them. Role of tissues like tapetum, sporogenous tissue etc can be understood.
D) Anatomy and Embryology : Embryology is a sister branch of anatomy in general and of
developmental science in particular. Embryological studies help us in knowing the nature
and role of embryonic tissue. Internal structure of an embryo provides us information about
the position and interrelationship of the different regions of an embryo. Type of the embryo,
nature of the tapetal tissue in developing anther, internal structure of ovules and their types
etc. can be determined with help of an anatomical and embryological studies. In general
anatomy and embryology go hand in hand.
E) Plant physiology and Embryology: Transformation from vegetative phase to
reproductive phase is an important change in life cycle of any plant. Such change is
based on different hormones and growth promoting substances. This process is well
understood with help of reproductive plant physiology. In experimental embryology
(plant tissue culture) this information has a prime importance. Embryological processes
such as embryogenesis , sporogenesis . fertilization, organogenesis, fruit and seed
development, seed germination etc. are based on many physiological events. This
information is applicable in agriculture for increasing productivity of the crops.
F) Organic evolution and Embryology: It is observed that many plant groups have
diversity in the nature and development of embryo. By understanding this diversity one
can understand primitiveness and advanced nature of the plants at the embryonic stage.
Some plants belonging to the various groups have very less diversity in their characters
at adult (mature) stage but having distinct diversity in the embryonic characters. Hence,
embryology helps in tracing the evolutionary lines in plant groups.
