PROTOPLAST EVOLUTION: FROM EARLY DISCOVERIES TO CONTEMPORARY ADVANCEMENTS IN PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY
Authors: Norasekin Tamchek, Monaliza Md Disah, Lea Johnsiul, Roslina Mohd Shah, Anisah Savantil, Ishak Zubir, Mohd Zulhilmi Abd Rahman
Journal Issue: Malaysian Cocoa Journal, Volume 15(1)/2023
Keywords: Plant protoplasts, Biotechnology, CRISPR-Cas9, Systems biology, Omics technologies, Genetic engineering
Published On: 27/10/2023
Abstract
The study of plant protoplasts, isolated plant cells devoid of cell walls, has evolved remarkably, shaping our understanding of plant biology and revolutionising biotechnology. This evolution has contributed to our understanding of plant biology and revolutionised biotechnology. This review article traces the trajectory of protoplast research from its origins in the 1960s to the cutting-edge advancements in the current era. Early breakthroughs allowed for the isolation and culture of protoplasts, paving the way for further investigations into regeneration capacity and cellular behaviour. CRISPR-Cas9 technology enabled precise genome editing in protoplasts in the 21st century, marking a turning point in cell biology. Molecular protoplast responses have been better understood through integrative systems biology approaches and the "omics" technologies. In addition, protoplasts have been reprogrammed for the production of valuable compounds, biofuels, and pharmaceuticals through the convergence of protoplast research and synthetic biology. This review presents a comprehensive narrative of plant protoplast research, demonstrating its relevance and potential for crop improvement, genetic engineering, and sustainable biotechnology.