Introduction to Plant Cell Culture

Genetic modification of plants is a highly controversial area of biotechnology. All such experiments in plants begin with establishing plant cells in culture. This involves de-differentiating plant cells to form plant "stem cells". In this experiment, your students will establish cell cultures of African Violets from leaves. They will then use plant growth regulators to encourage root growth from the cultured cells, and produce a mature plant.

Group Size:

For 10 lab groups

Time Required:

Complete in 60 minutes plus several weeks for growth

Kit Includes:

Instructions, shoot initiation and elongation growth medium, Tween, Petri dishes, growth containers, peat pellets.

All You Need:

A healthy African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha), microwave or hot plate.

Storage:

Some Components Require Refrigerator Storage