Plant Biotechnology

Plant biotechnology is the application of biotechnology principles and techniques to the study and manipulation of plants and their products. It involves the use of genetic engineering and other advanced technologies to modify or improve the characteristics of plants, with the goal of developing new or improved plant-based products and technologies.

Examples of plant biotechnology applications include the development of crops that are more resistant to pests, diseases, or environmental stresses, the production of plants with improved nutritional content or other desirable traits, and the use of plants to produce industrial products such as biofuels and bioplastics. Plant biotechnology can also involve the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to perform specific tasks, such as the development of crops that are more resistant to pests or that can grow in challenging environments.

Plant biotechnology is an important field with the potential to contribute to the development of sustainable solutions to global challenges such as food security and climate change. It is an area of active research and development, with many exciting possibilities for the future.

Plant Biotechnology Courses

Required Elective Courses

2300361  INTRO MOL BIOTECH

INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY
Introduction to and history of molecular biotechnology; reviews on regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; principles and techniques in recombinant DNA technology; production of recombinant protein in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; mutagenesis, protein engineering and directed evolution; various applications of molecular biotechnology.
3(3–0–6)

2300362  BIO SEQ ANALYSIS

BIOLOGICAL SEQUENCE ANALYSIS
Methods and algorithms for sequence alignment: pairwise sequence alignment, database similarity searching, multiple sequence alignment; profiles and Hidden Markov Models; gene finding and protein sequence analysis; processing of data obtained from DNA sequencers including assembly of raw data into a contiguous sequence, finding open reading frames and translating into amino acid sequences; sequence analysis tools used in recombinant DNA technology including restriction mapping, primer design, DNA cloning and mutagenesis; DNA, RNA and amino acid sequence analysis using publicly available web based tools.
3(2–2–5)

2305262  GEN GENETICS LAB

GENERAL GENETICS LABORATORY
Laboratory work emphasizing the principles of inheritance; experiments with microorganisms and an independent study of inheritance in Drosophila melanogaster and Zea mays; problems solving and discussion.
1(0–3–0)

Elective Courses

2305481  PLANT BIOTECH

PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY
Principles and applications in plant cell and tissue cultures for the production of chemicals and plant propagations; mushroom culture technology; useful microbes in plant biotechnology; plant genetic engineering; economic plants for industry and biotransformation of plant extracts.
2(2–0–4)

2305354  HYDROPONICS

HYDROPONICS
Historical background of hydroponics, advantages and disadvantages; growing systems; the nutrient solution; the formulation of nutrients; suitable crops; nutritional value; pest and disease control; other methods for soilless culture; application of hydroponics.
2(2–0–4)

2305355  HYDROPONICS LAB

HYDROPONICS FOR CROP PRODUCTION LABORATORY
Historical background of hydroponics, advantages and disadvantages; growing systems; the nutrient solution; the formulation of nutrients; suitable crops; nutritional value; pest and disease control; other methods for soilless culture; application of hydroponics.
1(0–3–0)

2305451  PLANT TIS CUL

PLANT TISSUE CULTURE
History and development of in vitro plant tissue culture; principles of plant tissue culture from various plant parts; growth and development patterns of tissues through embryogenesis and organogenesis; control of factors influencing those growth and developmental patterns; application of plant tissue culture techniques in plant science.
2(2–0–4)

2305452  PLANT TIS CUL LAB

PLANT TISSUE CULTURE LABORATORY

Demonstrations and laboratory practices on techniques of in vitro plant tissue culture.

1(0–3–0)

2305453  COM ORN PL PROD

COMMERCIAL ORNAMENTAL PLANT PRODUCTION 
Application of basic scientific principles in growing ornamental plants; management and business planning; nursery management; commercial ornamental plant production and care; postharvest management; laboratory practice and field trips.
3(2–3–4)

2305486  ECON MUSHROOM CULT

ECONOMIC MUSHROOM CULTIVATION
Chemistry of biopolymer in environment; types and structure; biosynthesis and biodegradation by microorganisms; microbial enzymes in biopolymer degradation; applications of biopolymer in environmental remediation; innovation and technology; case studies.
3(2–3–4)