208-302 Molecular Biology, Genetics and Breeding

202-103 Biology for Land and Food Resources, 202-101 Chemistry for Land and Food Resources, 600-142 Genetics and the Evolution of Life, or 521-211 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

It is expected that on the completion of this subject, students should gain an understanding of the principles and methodology of crop and animal breeding and a knowledge of genes at the levels of populations and their contribution to development of quantitative traits. Basic understanding of genetic engineering (molecular biology) and its impact on agriculture (plant and animal), horticulture, forestry and the food industry.

The topics include:

• structure of DNA, nature of genes, regulation of gene expression at the molecular level;

• introduction to gene manipulation for production of transgenic plants and animals;

• use of recombinant technology in breeding improved food and forest plants, crops and food animals;

• management of transgenic plants, crops and animals in agriculture systems;

• risks and concerns regarding environmental release of transgenic organisms;

• safety assessment criteria for transgenic food etc.;

• principles and methodology of crop and animal breeding and a knowledge of genes at the levels of populations and their contribution to development of quantitative traits;

• evolutionary processes and genetic variability of plant populations, world wide distribution and conservation of plant genetic resources;

• methods of breeding self and cross pollinating plants;

• development of hybrids;

• chromosome manipulation and polyploidy;

• breeding methods for disease and insect resistance in agricultural plants;

• molecular markers for DNA fingerprinting, genetic diversity, marker-assisted selection;

• special techniques used in plant breeding - induced mutations, polyploidy, double haploids, somatic hybridisation and tissue culture;

• and quantitative genetics in plant breeding.

Three-hour examination (50%), a practical test (10%) and two assignments equivalent to 2500 words (each worth 20%).