Micro-Credential in Plant Cell & Tissue Culture Techniques
Programme Overview
Plant tissue culturing techniques is a lecture, tutorial and practical based subject that have become immensely significant in the agricultural community. Plant tissue culture is effectively used as typical, broad-scale techniques by the biotechnological/ agricultural industry. The course is essential to understand the methods used to grow large numbers of plant cells, in vitro, in an aseptic and closely controlled environment. Therefore, it is necessary to produce large number of plants that are genetically identical to a parent plant, as well as to one another. The course also covers the history of plant tissue culture development, the basic requirements of a plant tissue culture laboratory, preparation of culture medium, the establishment of aseptic tissues, factors affecting the growth of the different types of in vitro cultures, development of disease free plants, protoplast cultures, somatic hybridization, haploid plant cultures and cryopreservation techniques.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course participants should be able to:
- Describe the fundamental principles of Plant Tissue Culture Techniques.
- Demonstrate understanding of Plant Tissue Culture Techniques in practical activities.
- Analyze the concept of plant tissue culture in a group.
- Discuss on the problems encountered in Plant Tissue Culture process and micro-propagation.
- Present orally on Plant Tissue Culture Techniques
Course Progression
Credits from this Micro-Credential Programme are transferable to the following full academic programme:
- Degree of Biotechnology
Assessments
- Coursework 80%
- Final Examination 20%
Study Plan for Micro-Credential in Plant Cell & Tissue Culture Techniques
Week 1 | BASIC PRINCIPLES AND TERMINOLOGY OF PLANT TISSUE CULTURE – Terminology – Types of cells – Types of tissue culture – Advantages and disadvantages of tissue culture technology BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF A TISSUE CULTURE LABORATORY – Laboratory design and development – Media preparation room – Culture room – Sterilization room – Equipment and apparatus | Lecture |
Week 2
| ASEPTIC TECHNIQUES IN PLANT TISSUE CULTURE – Sterilization techniques – Instrument and equipment – Aseptic techniques Practical 1 – Aseptic culture techniques for establishment and maintenance of cultures
TISSUE CULTURE MEDIA – Preparation and handling – Media composition – Solidifying agents – Plant growth regulators – Establishing aseptic cultures
Practical 2 – Explant preparation
| Lecture, practical |
Week 3
| TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUES – Quantitative improvement – Qualitative improvement – Micropropagation – Cell differentiation – Aseptic preparation of explant
Practical 3 – Preparation of stock solutions of MS basal medium and plant growth regulator stocks
Assignment 1 Oral presentation 1
TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUES – Selection of explant – Callus culture – Plant morphogenesis – Morphology and characteristics of callus
Practical 4 – Callus culture technique, Callus Induction
Mid-term test
| Lecture, practical, Assignment, presentation, test |
Week 4
| TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUES – Procedure of callus culture – Callus multiplication – Suspension cultures – Agitation – Significance of callus culture
CELL SUSPENSION CULTURES – History and evolution – Initiation and establishment of cell suspension cultures – Plant cell cultures vs. microbial cultures
| Lecture |
Week 5
| HAPLOID PRODUCTION – Androgenesis – Gynogenesis – Factors affecting haploid androgenesis – Diploidization of haploids
SOMACLONAL, PROTOCLONAL AND GAMETOCLONAL VARIATION – Origin of somaclonal variation – Mechanisms leading to genetic variations – Applications and limitations of somaclonal variation – Gametoclonal variation
| Lecture |
Week 6
| SOMATIC HYBRIDIZATION AND CYBRIDIZATION – Steps involved in somatic hybridization – Protoplast fusion – Cybrids or cytoplasmic hybrids – Applications & limitations of somatic hybridization
GERMAPLASM CONSERVATION AND CRYOPRESERVATION – Methods of germplasm preservation – In vitro preservation – Cryopreservation – Steps involved in cryopreservation
Assignment 2 Oral presentation 2
| Lecture, assignment, presentation |
Week 7
| PLANT CELL CULTURE TECHNOLOGY FOR PRODUCTION OF SECONDARY METABOLITES – Metabolites – Secondary metabolites – Production of secondary metabolites – Strategies of yield improving of secondary metabolites
Practical test
| Lecture, practical |
Week 8
| Final Examination | Conclusion Session Awarding of Certificates Presentation by VC or Representative of VC
|
Why Micro-Credential in Lincoln University College (LUC), Malaysia?
Micro-credentials in Lincoln University College (LUC), Malaysia offer a flexible, targeted, and accelerated pathway of acquiring industry-relevant skills that meet the demands of today’s evolving job market. Designed for students, professionals, and individuals seeking to upskill or reskill, credentials offer learning experiences and formally recognized certifications, with enhanced employability, and serving as stepping stones to higher qualifications. LUC’s micro-credential programs are supported by strong academic frameworks and offer clear progression pathways into full-fledged degree programs. After completing this Micro-credential course, professionals can use their updated skills to apply for promotions or switch to a different job role.