Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 9: Three day training programme on “Basic Techniques in Molecular Biology” by Department of Botany, University of Jammu for the research scholars concluded here today.
During the course of proceedings, in addition to a hands-on experience on various instruments and methods used, the participating scholars were trained in methodologies involving preparation of various reagents, isolation and culturing of various bacteria and fungi, centrifugation techniques, isolation of DNA from plants, fungi and bacteria and Gel Electrophoresis of DNA etc.
Dr Susheel Verma, an accomplished molecular biologist and Associate Prof, Center for Biodiversity Studies, BGSBU, Rajouri was the resource person for the said training.
“The prime objective of the programme was to have basic acquaintance with concepts and understanding of modern molecular biology tools and techniques and their implementation in present day research”, informed Prof Yash Pal Sharma, Head, Department of Botany, University of Jammu.
Keeping the current trends in sciences, both basic and applied, in mind, the department aims to equip its research scholars with the latest techniques, he said, adding that Department of Botany has a strong foundation in basic areas/fields of Botany such as Cytogenetics, Mycology and plant pathology, Plant reproductive biology, Mushroom Biology, Taxonomy, Ecology and Tissue culture and now the department strides to supplement the basic research with molecular aspect of biology, both at national and international level.
In view of this, the department endeavours to organize regularly a series of such training workshops from time to time, he added.
Faculty members including Prof Geeta Sumbali, Prof Namrata Sharma, Dr Veenu Kaul, Dr Geeta, Dr Harish Chander, Dr Beetika, Uzma and around 30 research scholars of the department attended the training programme.