Using Cauliflower in the Lab

Resource

Cauliflower is a vegetable full of potential for the science lab – and, of course, easy and cheap to source throughout the year. Students love cloning their own ‘mini-caulis’ with the reliable new SAPS protocol, based on one developed by RBG Kew for the conservation of rare plants.

Practicals

Teaching Topics

  • Cloning
  • Tissue culture

Description

Cauliflower, Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

A widely distributed edible plant, and a member of the Brassicaceae, the cabbage family. The white curd that we eat is a mass of aborted floral meristems.

Growing and sourcing

Obtaining: Readily available from greengrocers and supermarkets. One cauliflower will provide extensive plant material for the SAPS Tissue Culture practical.

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