The Biology Department organized a student visit to the Biotechnology Laboratory in the Biodiversity Genomics Unit

The Department of Biology at the Faculty of Science organized a student visit to the Biotechnology Laboratory at the Biodiversity Genomic Unit on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 11:40 AM to 1:00 PM.
This visit was part of the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen students’ understanding of the practical applications in plant biotechnology and to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world research. It provided students with valuable exposure to modern laboratory equipment and advanced technologies used in biological sciences.
The visit was conducted under the support and supervision of Dr. Ra’fat Affan, Head of the Department of Biology. It was coordinated by Dr. Khulood Al-Balawi, Head of the Student Orientation Committee for the Bachelor of Science in Plant Science and Technology program, in collaboration with Dr. Nour Al-Qurashi, the Unit Supervisor, and the organizing team.
During the visit, Dr. Zahid Siddiqui, Associate Professor of Plant Physiology, and a committee member, delivered a workshop titled “Inside the World of Plant Tissue Culture.” He guided students through an introductory laboratory tour, explaining both the fundamental concepts and practical aspects of plant tissue culture.
Students were introduced to the laboratory’s three main sections:
•    Sterilization and Cleaning Section
•    Media Preparation Section
•    Plant Tissue Culture Section
They also learned about sterile plant propagation, including complete workflow—from the selection and preparation explants to culturing under sterile conditions and the development of new plant material. 
In addition, the visit included a detailed explanation of the key stages of plant tissue culture, including callus induction, callus formation and organogenesis. Students had the opportunity to observe live samples of plant tissues, callus and seedlings, which enhanced their understanding of plant growth and regeneration under controlled laboratory conditions.
This hands-on experience highlighted the importance of plant tissue culture as a major application of modern biotechnology. It plays a vital role in rapid plant propagation, preservation of elite varieties, production of disease-free plants and advancement of scientific research and crop improvement.Students were introduced to the laboratory’s three main sections:
•    Sterilization and Cleaning Section
•    Media Preparation Section
•    Plant Tissue Culture Section
They also learned about sterile plant propagation, including complete workflow—from the selection and preparation explants to culturing under sterile conditions and the development of new plant material. 
In addition, the visit included a detailed explanation of the key stages of plant tissue culture, including callus induction, callus formation and organogenesis. Students had the opportunity to observe live samples of plant tissues, callus and seedlings, which enhanced their understanding of plant growth and regeneration under controlled laboratory conditions.
This hands-on experience highlighted the importance of plant tissue culture as a major application of modern biotechnology. It plays a vital role in rapid plant propagation, preservation of elite varieties, production of disease-free plants and advancement of scientific research and crop improvement.

The program also featured a scientific presentation by a graduate student, who discussed her research on the effects of different light wavelengths on plant growth. Her study compared red and blue light treatments, with white light used as a control. The findings showed that a combination of red and blue light resulted in optimal plant growth, emphasizing the importance of environmental factors in tissue culture systems.

At the end of the visit, Dr. Ra’fat Affan expressed his appreciation to Dr. Zahid Siddiqui and the organizing team for their valuable contributions. He also praised the efforts of the Student Orientation Committee in organizing such impactful activities, highlighting their role in developing students’ skills and enriching their academic experience.

The students, in turn, expressed their enthusiasm and appreciation for the visit, noting the valuable knowledge and practical insights they gained. The experience greatly enhanced their understanding of plant tissue culture techniques and strengthened their interest in the field of biotechnology.