NCERT Class 12 Biotechnology Biotechnology: Chapter 6 — Plant Tissue Culture
This chapter introduces the foundational concepts of Plant Tissue Culture, a significant area within Biotechnology. It highlights the pioneering work of Gottlieb Haberlandt, an Austrian botanist who first proposed the possibility of culturing isolated plant tissues and cells in 1902. Haberlandt's concept of 'totipotentiality' suggested that theoretically, all plant cells possess the ability to develop into a complete plant. The chapter sets the stage for understanding advanced techniques in plant propagation, genetic modification, and conservation through tissue culture, emphasizing its importance in modern biological and medical research. It lays the groundwork for exploring the practical applications and methodologies of cultivating plant cells, tissues, and organs in vitro.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Biotechnology |
| Book | Biotechnology |
| Chapter | Chapter 6 — Plant Tissue Culture |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 178 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the historical context and pioneers of plant tissue culture.
- Grasp the fundamental concept of totipotentiality in plant cells.
- Recognize the significance of plant tissue culture in biology and medicine.
- Appreciate the theoretical basis for developing complete plants from individual cells.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Totipotentiality | The theoretical ability of a single plant cell to develop into a complete plant. |
| Tissue culture | The technique of growing cells, tissues, or organs in an artificial medium separate from the parent organism. |
| Botanist | A scientist who studies plants. |
| Kranz anatomy | Specialized leaf anatomy found in C4 plants, described by Gottlieb Haberlandt. |
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Practice questions
- Who is credited with first pointing out the possibilities of plant tissue culture? Answer: Gottlieb Haberlandt
- What year did Gottlieb Haberlandt present his idea of totipotentiality? Answer: 1902
- What is the meaning of 'totipotentiality' as proposed by Haberlandt? Answer: The theoretical ability of all plant cells to give rise to a complete plant.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Who was Gottlieb Haberlandt?
Explanation: Gottlieb Haberlandt was an Austrian botanist known for his pioneering work in plant tissue culture.
Q2. Haberlandt's original assertion regarding plant cells was called:
Explanation: Haberlandt's idea that all plant cells could potentially form a complete plant was termed 'totipotentiality'.
Q3. In what year did Haberlandt suggest the potentialities of individual cells via tissue culture?
Explanation: Gottlieb Haberlandt presented his original idea of totipotentiality in 1902.
Q4. The term 'Kranz anatomy' was given by Gottlieb Haberlandt to describe:
Explanation: Haberlandt introduced the term 'Kranz anatomy' in 1904 to describe the specialized leaf structure in C4 plants.
Frequently asked questions
Who is considered a pioneer in plant tissue culture?
Gottlieb Haberlandt, an Austrian botanist, is credited with first pointing out the possibilities of culturing isolated plant tissues and cells.
What is totipotentiality in the context of plant cells?
Totipotentiality is the theoretical ability of any plant cell to develop into a complete, genetically identical plant.
When did Haberlandt propose the concept of totipotentiality?
Haberlandt presented his idea of totipotentiality in 1902.
What is Kranz anatomy?
Kranz anatomy is a specialized leaf structure found in C4 plants, described by Gottlieb Haberlandt in 1904, which enhances photosynthetic efficiency.
What are the potential applications of plant tissue culture mentioned?
The text suggests that plant tissue culture has led to significant discoveries in Biology and Medicine, implying applications in research and potentially propagation or genetic studies.
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NCERT Class 12 Biotechnology — Biotechnology — Chapter 6 — Plant Tissue Culture. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.