Cytogenetics lab plays a crucial role in conserving plant and animal genetic resources with a focus on studying the structure and function of chromosomes in plants and animals. This involves different techniques like karyotyping, chromosome banding, and in situ hybridization to understand genetic diversity, evolution, and breeding potential.
Chromosomal studies are based on visible of investigations the C and GTG-banding Florescent bands and FISH markers were used in an attempt to provide fine standard karyotypic details and characterization, overall the investigate of chromosomal maps of wild plants, animals and landraces which can be utilized in the different breeding programs and determination of chromosome number in diploid and polyploidy of genomes.
Information from studies of chromosomes in addition to the classification of plants and Animals, determine the position and the relationship between plants.
The Genotoxicity and Cytotoxicity study (Mitotic activity, frequency of micronuclei and the chromosomal aberrations in mitotic cell divisions) as an indication of the genetics instability and adaptability to the Egyptian conditions in varieties, landraces and/or accessions and his tolerant to biotic abiotic stress. Moreover, to detect any existing association between the cytological and instabilities and agronomic characters. Detection of the pollen grain viability of different varieties, landraces and/or accessions.
Cytogenetics Lab has extensive expertise in chromosomal Karyotyping with banding and Fluorescent In-Situ Hybridization technique. It is equipped with a vertical microscope (Leica DM2500) equipped with a cooled monochrome digital camera (Leica DFC340FX), and vertical fluorescence microscope (Leica DM4 B) (Leica Microsystems, Germany) equipped with cooled digital color camera (Leica DFC450C), with a Standard and high-resolution automated karyotyping software processing (Leica CW4000), Moreover have a Cooling Incubator and a Biological Safety Cabinet.
Aims to use modern laboratory techniques and innovate new methods to create fast and accurate ways to supporting the evaluation and classification of genetic resources, whether plant or animal genetic resource.
Our Vision
Cytogenetics fingerprint for Egyptian genetic resources
Applications
Genetic Diversity Studies: By examining chromosomal variations, scientists can assess the genetic diversity within and between species, which is essential for conservation and breeding programs.
Evolutionary Studies: Cytogenetics helps trace evolutionary relationships and understand how species have diverged over time.
Breeding Programs: Understanding the chromosomal makeup of plants and animals’ aids in the selection of desirable traits for breeding.
Disease Resistance: Cytogenetic studies can identify genetic factors that contribute to disease resistance in plants and animals, crucial for developing resilient species.
Impact
Conservation: Preserving genetic diversity ensures the resilience of species to environmental changes and diseases.
Agriculture: Enhancing crop and livestock quality through informed breeding programs supports food security and sustainability.
Research: Cytogenetics provides fundamental insights into genetics and genomics, advancing scientific knowledge.
Methods & Techniques
1- Genotoxicity and Cytotoxicity detection the frequency of:
Chromosomal Aberrations
Micronucleus
Mitotic Activity
Miotic Activity
Chromosome Stability
2- Chromosome Study:
Karyotyping: This technique involves organizing and analyzing chromosomes to detect genetic abnormalities and variations.
Chromosome Banding structure: Using Gimsa stain to identification the C and G-banding pattern Standard.
Comparative Fluorescence chromosomes banding: by studying the fluorescent banding patterns chromomycin A3 (CMA), and 40-6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and NOR-Banding.
Staff
Dr. Mona Ebrahim Abd El-Gawad +20 100 917 0469 mona.abdelgawad@arc.sci.eg monagenetist2012@gmail.com
Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim +20 100 695 1737 maibrahim30@icloud.com
