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gene bank
gene bank An establishment in which both somatic and hereditary genetic material are conserved. It stores, in a viable form, material from plants that are in danger of extinction in the wild and cultivars which are not currently in popular use. The stored genetic information can be called upon when required. For example, a crop may be needed that possesses a quality (e.g. tolerance to adverse climatic conditions) which cannot be found in currently exploited cultivars but was present in more antiquated varieties. The normal method of storage is to reduce the water content of seed material to around 4 per cent and keep it at 0°C (pollen material may also be used but its longevity is considerably less). Stored this way, the material often remains viable for 10–20 years. When the desiccating process proves fatal, as is the case with tropical genera producing recalcitrant seeds, where possible the material is maintained by growth. This may require considerable space, but in some cases the problem can be resolved using tissue-culture methods. All stored stock is periodically checked by germination. See also seed bank.
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MICHAEL ALLABY. "gene bank." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "gene bank." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-genebank.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "gene bank." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-genebank.html |
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gene bank
gene bank An establishment in which both somatic and hereditary genetic material (see GERM PLASM) are conserved. It stores, in a viable form, material from plants that are in danger of extinction in the wild and cultivars that are not currently in popular use. The stored genetic information can be called upon when required. For example, a crop may be needed that possesses a quality (e.g. tolerance to adverse climatic conditions) which cannot be found in currently exploited cultivars but was present in more antiquated varieties. The normal method of storage is to reduce the water content of seed material to around 4 per cent and keep it at 0°C. (Pollen material may also be used but its longevity is considerably less.) Stored this way, the material often remains viable for 10–20 years. When the desiccating process proves fatal, as is the case with tropical genera producing recalcitrant seeds, where possible the material is maintained by growth. This may require considerable space, but in some cases the problem can be resolved using tissue-culture methods. All stored stock is periodically checked by germination.
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Cite this article
MICHAEL ALLABY. "gene bank." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "gene bank." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-genebank.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "gene bank." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-genebank.html |
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gene bank
gene bank Genetic material kept for future possible use. Material stored includes cultures of bacteria and moulds; seeds, spores, and tubers; frozen sperm, eggs, and embryos; and even live plants and animals. The material can be used in plant and animal breeding, genetic engineering, and in medicine. Live specimens are used for restocking natural habitats in which species are in danger of extinction.
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Cite this article
"gene bank." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "gene bank." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-genebank.html "gene bank." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-genebank.html |
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gene bank
gene bank See gene library.
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Cite this article
"gene bank." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "gene bank." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-genebank.html "gene bank." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-genebank.html |
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