Abstract:

Somatic embryogenesis is an expression mode of totipotency, it not only has important practical uses in genetic improvements and industrializing propagation, but also is an ideal research model for studying plant developmental biology. This paper reviewed progress of study on roles of polyamines and ethylene during plant somatic embryogenesis, the molecular mechanism mainly related to the biosynthesis catabolism of polyamines and ethylene, and somatic embryogenesis in the gene and proteomics research. The review could provide reference for further understanding the developmental patterns and gene regulation mechanism of somatic embryogenesis and for establishing efficient plant regeneration system.

Key words: somatic embryogenesis, polyamine, ethylene