Culture of Zygotic Embryos of Higher Plants

The culture of embryos has several fundamental purposes. It allows observation of morphogenesis of isolated embryos at regular intervals and direct analysis of the various steps in embryogenesis. In this way, it gives more information than does fixation followed by histological analysis. Also, cultured embryos can undergo surgical operations similar to those performed with great success on animal embryos. In addition, embryo culture is a means of determining the nutritional factors favorable to normal embryogenesis. It is possible, by using appropriate media, to modify the pattern of embryo development. Indeed, if a modification of the experimental conditions of zygotic embryo culture provokes a more rapid growth, a higher survival, and an improved differentiation, it can be assumed that thenew conditions are closer to those that exist in the embryo sac. The culture of zygotic embryos therefore permits us to determine the conditions in which the embryo grows in the ovary.