Key Experiments and Discussions :
1. Moina macrocopa Study – Arabia (Sophia College)
Presented by Sakshi
This segment focused on the Moina macrocopa JSK1 culture maintained since 31st May 2025 at Sophia College by Arabia. Two culture setups (tubes A and B) were maintained.
Feeding Log :
1st June: One drop of milk added
2nd June : No feeding
3rd June: No Moina observed
Despite the absence of visible Moina on 3rd June, further observations in the following days revealed reemergence of Moina, suggesting that the organisms might have entered a dormant stage. This led to a fascinating hypothesis that Moina macrocopa may form dormant eggs or cysts under stress conditions like starvation or suboptimal environmental factors.
The visual representation showed increased population in both containers A and B over time, supporting the idea that Moina survived the no-feed period in a cryptobiotic or dormant state.
2. Mustard Seed Study – Mendel’s Pea Plant Parallel
Shared by multiple participants
Another major point of discussion was the mustard seed growth experiment, designed as a simple plant genetics and physiology model — drawing parallels with Mendel’s classic pea plant study.
Participants used plastic trays (A1, A2, A3) for sowing mustard seeds.
Three mustard plants (A, B, C) were observed for flowering, fruit formation, and seed setting.
The discussion extended to whether cross-pollination or self-pollination occurs in these plants, and how to determine genetic variation across generations.
Additionally, the whiteboard showed integration with molecular biology concepts , such as:
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DNA to RNA transcription within the human cell
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Ribosome function in protein synthesis
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Historical reference to Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, who elucidated ribosomal structure
This multidimensional approach helped participants interlink plant model systems, molecular biology, and Nobel Prize-winning research, making for a highly interdisciplinary session.
Suggested Queries for Further Inquiry :
On Moina Dormancy :
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What environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, food scarcity) induce dormancy in Moina macrocopa?
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Are there observable egg sacs or ephippia (resting eggs) during the dormancy phase?
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Could pH or oxygen level variations also trigger or reverse dormancy in these organisms?
On Mustard Plant Study :
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How does the fruit and seed formation in mustard compare with Mendel’s observations in pea plants?
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What are the visible indicators of self-pollination vs. cross-pollination in mustard?
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Are we able to collect and sow F1 generation seeds from any of the mustard setups?
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How could one set up a controlled cross using A, B, and C plants?
@Arunan @KiranKalakotiR @sakshiconsultant2002 @Priti_Kanade @akanksha @SN1261 @Theertha @Enas_188 @2020ugchsncnseethala @Susanta_Tanti and others.