Editing Germplasm (section)

== Storage methods ==
Effective Germplasm work includes the collection, storage, analysis, documentation, and exchange of genetic information. This information can be stored as [[Accession number (bioinformatics)|accessions]], which is DNA sequence information, or live cells/tissues that can be preserved. However, only about 5% of current germplasm resources are living samples.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Germplasm Conservation |url=https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/11232 |access-date=2023-03-12 |website=encyclopedia.pub |language=en}}</ref> For live cells/tissues, germplasm resources can be stored [[Ex situ conservation|''ex situ'']] in [[Seed bank|seed banks]], [[Botanical garden|botanic gardens]], or through [[cryopreservation]]. Cryopreservation is the process of storing germplasm at very low temperatures, such as liquid nitrogen.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Merritt |first1=David J. |last2=Hay |first2=Fiona R. |last3=Swarts |first3=Nigel D. |last4=Sommerville |first4=Karen D. |last5=Dixon |first5=Kingsley W. |last6=Herendeen |first6=Editor: Patrick S. |date=2014 |title=Ex situ Conservation and Cryopreservation of Orchid Germplasm |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/673370 |journal=International Journal of Plant Sciences |volume=175 |issue=1 |pages=46–58 |doi=10.1086/673370 |jstor=10.1086/673370 |s2cid=53319038 |issn=1058-5893}}</ref> This process ensures that cells do not degrade and keeps the germplasm intact. In addition, resources can be stored [[in situ]] such as the natural area the species was found.