DNA Extraction from Fast PlantsStudents can grow and extract DNA from Fast Plants using dishwashing soap and meat tenderizer. This is an activity with an easy to moderate level of difficulty, appropriate for high school and college students. The activity can also be used to explore the concepts of biotechnology. Special materials: blender, 7-day-old Fast Plants. Source: Medfield High School.

Chromosome Squashes Using Fast Plants
Stages of mitosis can be identified in the cells of immature Fast Plants flower buds and the meristematic regions of root tips. The slides can be prepared following the protocol used for onion root tip preparations. This is a difficult activity appropriate for advanced high school and college students. Source: Carolina Biological Supply Company.

Inducing Polyploidy in Fast Plant Cells
Students can examine the effect of colchicine on meristematic cells by applying a solution to the apical meristem at the onset of flower bud formation. Using the procedure for chromosome squashes in root tips, students will be able to see and count the affected chromosomes. This is a difficult experiment suitable for advanced high school and college students. Source: Medfield High School.

Finding Restriction Sites in Fast Plant DNA
Students can extract DNA from Fast Plant tissue and use common restriction enzymes to determine if the DNA contains sites specific to these enzymes. This is a difficult experiment appropriate for advanced high school and college students. Special materials: electrophoresis equipment, restriction enzymes. Source: Medfield High School.

Culturing Fast Plants by Hydroponics
Fast Plants can be grown successfully without soil in a hydroponic growing solution. A mineral solution is used as the aqueous base for the plants. A gentle hand is required for working with the young plants. This is a difficult experiment appropriate for high school and college students. Source: Carolina Biological Supply Company.

Demonstrating Capillary Action with Fast Plants
Capillary action in plants can be shown by cutting a 14-day-old Fast Plant off at about 2 centimeters above the soil line and putting the stem into brightly colored water for 24 hours. Does the plant show signs of having drawn up the color from the water? This is an easy experiment appropriate for middle and high school students. Special materials: food coloring, 14-day-old Fast Plants. Source: Wisconsin Fast Plants.