What is the primary purpose of tissue culture in plant propagation?

The primary purpose of tissue culture in plant propagation is to grow plants from a small tissue sample in a sterile environment. This method allows for the isolation of specific plant cells or tissues and the subsequent growth of these cells in a controlled setting, free from contamination. Tissue culture leverages the ability of plant cells to regenerate and differentiate into complete plants, making it a powerful tool for the propagation of plants that are difficult to grow from seeds or cuttings.

This sterile environment is crucial because it minimizes the risk of disease and contamination that could otherwise hinder growth. Successful tissue culture can lead to the rapid propagation of plants, as small tissue samples can be cultivated into mature plants. This method is essential in the production of clones from desirable parent plants, allowing for genetic uniformity and the ability to propagate rare or endangered species.

While the other options involve legitimate methods of plant propagation, they do not encompass the primary characteristics and intentions of tissue culture. Growing plants from seeds relies on conventional methods of germination and development, hybridization focuses on crossing different plant species to create hybrids, and producing large quantities of plants quickly can occur through various methods, including tissue culture, but does not define the technique itself.