PLANT GROWTH SUBSTANCES ('HORMONES')

Some plant growth substances are toxic. Although they are normally used in very low concentrations in experiments and media, technicians and teachers should always handle solids or concentrated stock solutions with care. Appropriate precautions should therefore be taken to avoid the formation and inhalation of dust or aerosols. It is recommended that plastic gloves are worn when appropriate. Spills should be cleaned up promptly, removing any solid material first, then washing the area with plenty of water.

'Plant tissue culture' by Tony Storr can be downloaded from here.

Because of the risk of serious infection, the ASE recommends that animal tissue culture is not done in schools (see 'Topics in Safety' Third edition, 2001, ASE).

However, some kits are available that use amphibian tissue, which is acceptable. From time-to-time over the last few years, other practical animal tissue culture has been developed for use in schools, although to our knowledge none has ever been published.

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