Course

Unit 1

Theoretical Foundations of Plant Tissue Culture

Fundamental principles of plant tissue culture, cellular totipotency, differentiation, and the physiological basis of in vitro growth. Topics include types of explants, composition of culture media (macro- and micronutrients, vitamins, carbon sources, plant growth regulators), and the influence of environmental conditions (light, temperature, and photoperiod).  Callus induction, organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, and micropropagation. Applications discussed include clonal propagation, production of virus-free plants, germplasm conservation, and in vitro mutagenesis for crop improvement and transgenic plants.

Unit 2

Principles of Animal Cell and Tissue Culture

Conceptual and technical underpinnings of animal cell culture. Cell types (primary vs. continuous lines), growth characteristics, and requirements for in vitro maintenance. Media composition, serum function, growth factors, and the concept of cell viability and doubling time.  Contamination sources and prevention, authentication of cell lines, and the theoretical basis of cell immortalization.  Ethical considerations and biosafety protocols in handling animal-derived cell cultures. Applications such as vaccine development, toxicity testing, and cancer biology research and transgenic animals.

Unit 3

Applications and Advancements in Tissue Culture Technology

Plant and animal systems to highlight advanced applications and recent developments in tissue culture technology. In plant systems: Metabolic engineering for secondary metabolite production, genetic transformation strategies, and protoplast culture and fusion. In animal systems: Stem cell biology, recombinant protein production, hybridoma technology, and the emergence of 3D cultures and organoid models. Insights into the industrial and therapeutic potential of tissue culture, including biopharmaceutical production, regenerative medicine, and conservation biotechnology.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Understand the fundamental principles of plant and animal tissue culture, including totipotency, differentiation, and media composition.
• Comprehend the physiological and technical requirements for in vitro maintenance and manipulation of plant and animal cells.
• Analyse the theoretical basis and applications of tissue culture techniques such as callus induction, micropropagation, stem cell culture, and recombinant protein production.
• Evaluate the ethical, safety, and industrial implications of tissue culture technologies in agriculture, research, and medicine.

COURSE OUTCOMES:

After completing the course, students shall be able to

CO1: Describe the core theoretical foundations and methodologies of plant and animal tissue culture.

CO2: Identify and explain the roles of culture media components and environmental conditions in promoting cell growth and development.

CO3: Classify different types of tissue culture systems and evaluate their applications

CO4: Demonstrate awareness of biosafety, contamination control, and ethical considerations in handling tissue cultures.

CO5: Apply knowledge of plant and animal systems to explore advanced tissue culture strategies.

1. Plant Tissue Culture: Theory and Practice”S. Bhojwani and M.K. Razdan, Publisher: Elsevier
2. “Plant Biotechnology and Genetics: Principles, Techniques and Applications” Neal Stewart Jr., Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
3. “Plant Cell and Tissue Culture – A Tool in Biotechnology” Karl-Hermann Neumann, Ashwani Kumar, Jánusz I. Handa, Publisher: Springer
4. Culture of Animal Cells: A Manual of Basic Technique and Specialized Applications”
   Ian Freshney, Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
5. “Animal Cell Culture: Essential Methods” John M. Davis, Publisher: Wiley