BOTN 623 Plant molecular genetics, genetic engineering and biotechnology

Molecular genetics and genetic engineering.  Review of structure of DNA,  RNA,  Gene. Review of protein synthesis.  Enzymes.  Nucleases.  Restriction enzymes.  Enzymes used in Recombinant DNA Technology.  Vectors and Hosts.  Plasmids.  Viruses.  E. coli.  Yeasts. Other hosts.  Recombinant techniques.  Basic concepts.   Cutting and joining of DNA molecules.  Cloning.  Nucleotide sequencing and hybridisation.  Applications:  Applications in Biology and Medicine.  Industrial application.  Precautions and regulations.  Nonrecombinant genetic engineering.  Techniques for plant biotechnology:  Tissues culture methods;  Agrobacterium-mediated transformations.