Murashige and Skoog medium, also known as MS medium, is a type of nutrient-rich growth medium used for the cultivation of plant cells, tissues, and organs in vitro. It was developed by Toshio Murashige and Folke Skoog in 1962, and has since become one of the most widely used formulations in plant tissue culture.
MS medium is composed of a combination of mineral salts, vitamins, amino acids, sugars, and plant growth regulators. The mineral salts provide essential nutrients, including macronutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and micronutrients (such as iron and zinc), required for plant growth. Vitamins and amino acids are added to supply organic compounds necessary for cell growth and differentiation.
The sugar component in MS medium, typically sucrose, serves as an energy source for the growing plant cells. It provides the necessary carbohydrates for metabolism and growth. Plant growth regulators, such as auxins and cytokinins, are included in the medium to induce specific cellular responses, such as root or shoot development, and to regulate growth and differentiation.
MS medium is commonly used for the multiplication of plant tissue cultures, somatic embryogenesis, organogenesis, and callus culture. It is particularly suitable for a wide range of plant species, including both monocots and dicots. Its composition can be modified according to the specific requirements of the plant species being cultured, making it a versatile and widely adaptable medium in plant tissue culture techniques.
