Part 3: Statistical and Experimental Methods
Part 3 of this book details the statistical and experimental methods associated with plant genetics. These methods are used in combinations that are unique to the project, but that have wide applicability to genetics research and development in plants. The organization of the lessons in this section is roughly from methods to use on phenotypes and methods to studying DNA, RNA, and proteins in plants.
Chi-Square Test for Goodness of Fit in a Plant Breeding Example
In plant breeding and genetics research, plant breeders establish a hypothesis to explain how they think a particular trait is inherited, such as if it is due to one gene with complete dominance, an interaction of more than one gene, or quantitative inheritance, with many genes contributing, etc. The question then is how do plant breeders determine if the data is close enough to what they expected to determine if the hypothesis is supported or not? Following a tomato disease resistance example in this lesson, you will learn a simple statistical test that breeders can use to conclude if the experimental data supports their hypothesis of single gene, completely dominant inheritance.
Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) Analysis 1
This is the first of a two-part series that describes the methods and uses of QTL analysis.
Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) Analysis 2
This is the second of a two-part series that describes the methods and uses of QTL analysis.
DNA and DNA Extraction
This lesson discusses what DNA is and how it relates to genes and chromosomes. How and why DNA is extracted in the genetic engineering process is also covered.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) laboratory technique is used in a variety of applications to make copies of a specific DNA sequence. This lesson describes how a PCR reaction works, what it accomplishes and its basic requirements for success. Examples of interpreting results are given for a seed storage protein (kafirins in sorghum). PCR's strengths, weaknesses and applications to plant biotechnology are explained.
Electrophoresis: How scientists observe fragments of DNA
Describes gel electrophoresis and how the method is used in molecular genetic analysis.
Real Time PCR - Some Basic Principles
Real time PCR is a laboratory technique that can perform relatively accurate, reliable and reproducible measurements, to quantitatively determine the presence of specific gene sequences. Its value is being recognized in a variety of applications, including transgenic (GMO) detection. It is becoming increasingly important to know what percentage of a particular transgene is present in an export shipment, for example. Real time PCR can also be used to support more traditional plant breeding techniques, making the process of distinguishing allelic variations more efficient. This lesson explains the principles of real time PCR and its' application, with examples in plant breeding and GMO detection.
Protein Detection in Plants
This lesson will focus on molecular principles involved in the detection of biotechnology derived proteins in crops, using the lateral flow ELISA.