In Drosophila embryos, germ cells and somatic cells are formed separately. A recent analysis of the slow as molasses (slam) gene provides a potential link between somatic cell formation and germ cell migration.

The specific molecular mechanisms involved in somatic reprogramming remain unidentified. Removal of the oocyte genome is one of the primary causes of developmental failure in cloned embryos, whereas intact oocyte shows stronger reprogramming capability than enucleated oocyte. To identify the reason for the low efficiency of cloning and elucidate the mechanisms involved in somatic reprogramming ...

A direct somatic embryogenesis protocol was developed for four cultivars of Nicotiana species, by using leaf disc as an explant. Direct somatic embryogenesis of Nicotiana by using BAP and IAA has not been investigated so far. This method does not require formation of callus tissues which leads to somaclonal variations. The frequency of somatic embryogenesis was strongly influenced by the plant ...

Since first described in the mid-eighties somatic embryogenesis of spruce has been extensively utilized both as a tool for mass propagation and as a model system for the investigation of structural, physiological and molecular events occurring during embryo development in conifers. Despite the increased efforts to optimize media composition and culture environment, production of somatic embryos...

The study investigated the feasibility of lyophilization for long-term preservation of somatic cells and embryonic development after whole cell intracytoplasmic injection (WCICI) into enucleated pig oocyte. Confluent cultured porcine fetal fibroblast (pFF) cells were lyophilized and stored at 4°C for at least 6 months. Results showed that compared to non-lyophilized control cells, lyophilized c...

With the spread of pollinosis caused by sugi (Japanese cedar, Cryptomeria japonica) pollen, use pollen-free somatic seedlings is expected in Japan. However, there a lack knowledge on relationship between abilities during embryogenesis, initial vitro growth traits, and subsequent seedlings. In present study, we provide first basic information embryo maturation efficiency, germination, plantlet c...