Biotechnology
Plant Tissue Culture of the African Violet
Grade Level: High School
The African Violet is a great species of plant to introduce tissue culture to your students. The goal of this lab is to propagate as many genetically identical plants as possible from a small tissue sample. It is essential to maintain a strict, sterile environment. One fungal spore or bacterium in contact with the growth medium will quickly reproduce and out compete your explant for nutrient resources. Students should be able to see a round mass of undifferentiated cells, called a callus, form in about 2 to 4 weeks. This will be followed by the growing of shoots another 2 to 4 weeks later. At this point, you will be able to cut away these plantlets and transplant them into fresh medium that will promote the development of roots. Root formation is usually seen at about 6 to 8 weeks. By the end of this lab, students will have the knowledge and technical ability to effectively and rapidly grow their favorite plant species. This is a small but necessary skill that can be used to help feed the world and protect its plant species.
Teaching the Lesson
About Kansas Corn STEM
Investing in Kansas teachers and students is a priority for the Kansas Corn Commission. We are committed to providing materials and training to support STEM education while fostering an understanding of how corn farming and agriculture fit into our daily lives. Professional development workshops are offered to teachers seeking to expand their knowledge and inquiry-based teaching skills. Workshop participants receive free lab supplies needed for the lessons.
Workshop InfoThis lesson is the work product of the Kansas Corn Commission. Our lessons are written in collaboration with Kansas teachers for use in the classroom. Teachers may copy and share this curriculum. Use of this product for commercial or promotional use is prohibited without express permission of Kansas Corn.
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