Plant Tissue Culture · Botany

What is the purpose of adding activated charcoal to some tissue culture media?

  1. To provide an additional source of usable carbon for plant growth
  2. To act as a stabilizing pH buffer in the medium
  3. To adsorb inhibitory phenolic compounds and toxins
  4. To darken the medium for better root growth
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: To adsorb inhibitory phenolic compounds and toxins

Many woody plants exude phenols that oxidize and turn the medium brown, killing the explant. Activated charcoal adsorbs these toxic exudates and some excessive growth regulators, facilitating better growth.

Difficulty: Medium Question 10 of 20

Practice all 20 Plant Tissue Culture questions

Keep practicing

More Plant Tissue Culture questions