5.14 describe the process of micropropagation (tissue culture) in which small pieces of plants (explants) are grown in vitro using nutrient media

5.14 •micropropagation is used to clone plants  

                  •a plant with desirable characteristics (e.g large fruit) is selected to be cloned 

                            •1. explants (small pieces) are taken from the tips 

                            •2. the explants are sterilised to kill any microorganisms 

                            •3. the explants are then grown in vitro (in a petri dish containing a nutrient medium) - the medium contains growth hormone  

                            •4. cells in the explants divide and grow into a small plant and further ones can be taken until enough small plants are produced 

                            •5. small plants are taken out and put in glasshouses, and are genetically identical