ABSTRACT
The production of transgenic plants requires methods for identifying, isolating, replicating and inserting DNA into the plant genome. All these steps may involve the use of bacteria and bacterial culture is routine in the plant tissue culture laboratory undertaking plant transformation. To culture bacteria successfully, a clean bench in a room that is not a through room is recommended. A Bunsen burner can be used to sterilize tools and to flame the tops of vessels before transfer takes place. It also serves to provide a circular area on the bench that can be regarded as sterile to work in. For liquid-contaminated waste, a jug of hypochlorite solution or disinfectant like Virkon should be on the bench or on a low platform very close by. These should be renewed daily. Powdered Virkon and a source of paper towel should be close at hand in case of a liquid spill.
