Arabidopsis seeds won't germinate unless they are exposed to a 'winter' period. This period doesn't have to be long, but it's one of the ways that the plant makes sure conditions are good before it germinates. Of course, that's not needed in the lab, but it's a reminder that we are trying to understand plants that live in real-world conditions.
Many insects prey on Arabidopsis, such as lice and aphids. Although we're growing the plants inside, recently, a colleague found an infestation of lice in her chamber. She lost several very important mutants to her project, so its very important that we control insects in the laboratory.
When I grow Arabi on petri dishes, we grow them in something called 'agar' instead of soil. This clear substance allows us to choose exactly what ingredients we put inside, like sugars or nutrients. However, agar is the perfect growing media for fungi and bacteria too! Therefore, I work in something called a sterile hood, which blows air to keep dirt and dust out of my petri dishes.
Lastly, I work with genetically modified organisms, which I don't want escaping the lab. It's hardly Jurassic Park, though! In America, there are only a few regulations on handling genetically modified organisms, but in Germany, there are many strict laws! I have to be extra careful to make sure I follow all these new rules every day.
