Description: Tissue culture is a biotechnological technique that allows the growth of cells or tissues in an artificial medium, providing a controlled environment that simulates the necessary conditions for cellular development. This methodology is based on the ability of plant, animal, or microbial cells to proliferate and differentiate in vitro, that is, outside their original organism. The culture medium can contain nutrients, hormones, and other factors that promote cellular growth and multiplication. Tissue culture is fundamental in various areas of biology and medicine, as it allows the study of cellular behavior, research on diseases, and the development of new therapies. Additionally, this technique is essential in the production of improved plants, the conservation of endangered species, and the production of biomass for the pharmaceutical and food industries. Its relevance lies in the ability to obtain cells and tissues efficiently and in a controlled manner, opening up a wide range of applications in research and development.
History: Tissue culture originated in the 20th century, with the first experiments conducted by German botanist Gottlieb Haberlandt in 1902, who attempted to culture plant cells in an artificial medium. Over the decades, the technique was refined, and in the 1950s, more systematic methods for tissue culture were established, allowing its application in agriculture and medical research. In 1965, Japanese scientist Yoshio Watanabe developed a method for producing plants from individual cells, marking a milestone in plant biotechnology. Since then, tissue culture has evolved and diversified, becoming an essential tool in modern biology.
Uses: Tissue culture is used in various applications, including the production of improved plants, the conservation of endangered species, research in cellular and molecular biology, and drug production. In agriculture, it allows for the rapid propagation of crops and the production of disease-resistant varieties. In medicine, it is used for disease study, the production of transplant tissues, and the development of cell therapies. It is also fundamental in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of bioactive compounds.
Examples: An example of tissue culture is the production of orchids from individual cells, allowing for the generation of plants identical to the mother plant. Another case is the use of tissue cultures in the production of stem cells for regenerative therapies, where cells are cultured to repair or replace damaged tissues. Additionally, it is used in the production of disease-resistant rice plants through the selection of cells that exhibit desired traits.
