Chinese Bulletin of Botany ›› 2011, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (3): 350-360.DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1259.2011.00350

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Meristematic Nodule: a Valuable Developmental Pathway for Plant Regeneration

Yuan Zhong, Fangyun Cheng*, Lei Qin   

  1. Key Laboratory for the Genetics and Breeding of Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education/National Engineering Research Center for Floriculture, College of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
  • Received:2010-09-06 Revised:2010-11-08 Online:2011-05-01 Published:2011-05-26
  • Contact: Fangyun Cheng

Abstract: Meristematic nodules are tissues with distinct status during plant in vitro development and thus provide an important regeneration pathway via organogenesis. They are similar to somatic embryos in appearance but differ in structures and developmental processes. Meristematic nodules go through unique processes in their development; therefore, they can be multiplied by repeat liquid culture. The genetic stability and differentiation competence of meristematic nodules are well kept. Meristematic nodules are valuable both theoretically and practically in plant micropropagation, secondary metabolite production, and research into plant development mechanisms. This paper reviews the processes and impact factors of meristematic nodule initiation and plant regeneration and compares the characteristics and application prospects of this pathway with somatic embryogenesis.