Detecting ploidy level instability of banana embryogenic cell suspension cultures by flow cytometry

Roux, N.; Strosse, H.; Toloza, A.; Panis, B.; Doležel, Jaroslav
In Banana Improvement: Cellular Molecular Biology and Induced Mutations. Enfield : Science Publishers Inc. : 251-161, 2004

Keywords: Bananas and plantain; micropropagation; genetic instability
Abstract: During micropropagation of bananas and plantains, somaclonal variation can occur in regenerated plantlets. This variation may interfere with the use of these cultures for physical or chemical mutagenesis and/or genetic transformation. Although the causes of genetic instability are poorly understood, chromosome instability is believed to be one of the most common causes of tissue culture-induced variation. Using flow cytometry, variation in chromosome number could be detected in embryogenic cell suspensions and in plants regenerated from them. Results obtained by flow cytometry were verified by chromosome counting in meristem root-tip cells. Abnormalities in DNA content such as polyploidy and aneuploidy were detected at the cell suspension level. For the first time, a hypotriploid banana embryogenic cell line with 2n = 28 (i.e. with loss of five chromosomes) was reported. Factors affecting the genetic stability of embryogenic cell suspensions are discussed.
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IEB authors: Jaroslav Doležel