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| title | chunk | source | category | tags | date_saved | instance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gene bank | 2/2 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_bank | reference | science, encyclopedia | 2026-05-05T09:02:03.687405+00:00 | kb-cron |
=== Storage of pollen === Pollen is stored through a cryopreservation technique called vitrification. Vitrification, in this context, is based around the freezing of pollen grains without the formation of ice crystals that would heavily damage the pollen. The pollen, which is stored in liquid nitrogen, is kept at temperatures of −180 to −196 °C (−292.0 to −320.8 °F). The National Seed Storage Lab in Fort Collins, Colorado currently uses this technique to store pollen. Pollen can also be freeze dried and stored at temperatures of 5 to −18 °C (41 to 0 °F). An important element that must be considered is the levels of moisture in the pollen. If the pollen grains have a low moisture content it helps increase the length of the pollen's life. Low levels of moisture help the pollen freeze without creating ice or ice crystals, which helps preserve the life span of the pollen while it is being stored. Ideal levels of moisture content to be allowed in the pollen depends on the type of plant. The pollen from different plant species can be divided into two groups. One is binucleate pollen, which has a thicker exine and the second is trinucleate pollen, which has a thinner exine. Binucleate pollen has a higher lifespan when frozen at a low moisture level. Trinucleate pollen, however, has a higher lifespan when frozen at a high moisture level. Moisture level in the pollen can be decreased by exposing the pollen to diluted salt solutions, silica gel and dry air or by chemical treatment with vitrification solutions.
=== Field gene banks ===
Field gene banks are gene banks based around the management of live specimens, such as fruit trees and other plants, that require specific conditions to grow. In contrast to a seed bank, a Field gene bank focuses on the facilitation of backups of germplasm, typically in the form of seeds. Field gene banks are vulnerable to natural disasters, pests and disease. As such, they are typically used as a method of last resort if a species cannot be preserved via normal means, such as if it didn't produce seeds. This method also uses more land, energy and water than other methods, thus making it a less ideal option. An example of a Field gene bank includes the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) located in the Philippines. This organization contributes to the preservation of thousands of rice species by maintaining Field gene banks of the rice varieties. These rice species often have special traits such as the resistance to pests, disease, and drought. Each variety is important for the future development of new and more resilient species to address challenges around food security in countries with higher poverty and hunger concerns.
=== Animal genetic resource bank === In an Animal Genetic Resource bank, genetic material is stored to ensure the long term preservation and accessibility of it for possible future uses. The DNA inhabited here comes from a variety of different animal species that range from livestock and poultry to other organisms like insects and aquatic animals. More specifically, eggs, embryos, sperm, and other tissues are stored at very low temperatures using the advanced techniques of cryopreservation. These banks are crucial for guarding the genetic diversity of these populations, which is essential for the long term survival and adaptability of these populations. These facilities are particularly important for conserving genetic material from endangered species to support breeding programs that aim to save them. For species that risk extinction, the DNA in these banks provide a form of genetic insurance. It allows for the possibility of bringing back genetic diversity to the species if need be. Genetic material can be used to reintroduce diversity to a wild population who faces threats, such as genetic drift or inbreeding. In a situation where an animal cannot reproduce naturally due to disease or environmental changes, the genetic material can be used to assist the populations natural reproductive efforts via genetic rescue. This type of preservation allows for a wide range of management strategies for future interventions.
== Facilities == The Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees (CePaCT) plant gene bank in Suva, Fiji, focuses on propagating (and re-propagating) seedlings of plants (using clippings and tissue culture, rather than as seeds), to preserve the genetic diversity of the most important varieties of food crops of the Pacific region, such as banana, taro, breadfruit and yam. Gene banks are present all over the world, with differing objectives and resources. One of the largest is the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
== Management Systems == The Federal Ex situ gene bank is another example of one of the largest germplasm collections. It is established to collect, conserve, and characterize plant genetic resources to promote conservation. The Federal Ex situ gene bank also conducts relevant research to develop new techniques for resource conservation. In context of the United States, the Federal Ex situ gene bank includes facilities managed by government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA helps to maintain a variety of gene banks like the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). The NPGS serves to store genetic resources for crops and wild plants, thus providing a backup against the loss of biodiversity as well an option for breeding programs and research.
== See also == Sperm bank Ova bank Biobank Biological database Germplasm Seed bank Plant genetic resources Multi-Crop Passport Descriptor (MCPD)
== References ==
== Further reading == Ellis, R.H.; T.D. Hong; E.H. Roberts (1985). Handbook of Seed Technology for Genebanks Vol. II: Compendium of Specific Germination Information and Test Recommendations. IBPGR (now Bioversity International). Rome, Italy. Archived from the original on 11 December 2008. Engels, Jan; Visser, Bert, eds. (2003). A Guide to Effective Management of Germplasm Collections. CABI, IFPRI, IPGRI, SGRP. Archived from the original on 25 May 2007. 174 p. Kameswara, N.; J. Hanson; M. E. Dulloo; K. Ghosh; A. Nowell; M. Larinde. (2006). Manual of Seed Handling in Genebanks. Bioversity International, CTA (Technical Center for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation), FAO, ILRI. Archived from the original on 21 January 2008. 147 p. Koo, B.; Pardey, P. G.; Wright, B. D.; et al. (2004). Saving Seeds. CABI, IFPRI, IPGRI, SGRP. Archived from the original on 11 December 2008.
== External links == AEGIS A European Genebank Integrated System The Crop Genebank Knowledge Base Archived 14 July 2009 at the Wayback Machine Genebanks Genesys DAD-IS: Domestic Animal Diversity Information System