LIFE SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Wisconsin Fast Plants is the registered trademark for a cultivar of Brassica rapa, developed as a rapid life-cycle model organism for research and teaching. Wisconsin Fast Plants are a member of the Brassicaceae (formerly Cruciferae) family, closely related to the turnip and bok choy.

Detailed explanation-2: -Rapid cycling Brassica rapa, also known by the trademarked name Wisconsin Fast Plants, are an ideal organism for instruction. They complete their life cycle in 35–45 d (Williams and Hill, 1986) and grow at room temperature in potting soil fertilized with commonly available house plant fertilizer.

Detailed explanation-3: -Origin of Wisconsin Fast Plants Professor Paul H. Williams is to thank for fast plants. He first developed them in 1987 in the plant research program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to help protect cruciferous plants (such as broccoli, cabbage, radish and mustard) from disease.

Detailed explanation-4: -Fast Plants are a rapid-cycling form of the species Brassica rapa, a member of the mustard or cabbage family Cruciferae. Fast Plants and other members of this family are distinguished by characteristic flowers with four petals in the form of a cross or crucifix.

Detailed explanation-5: -Fast Plants are classified as “dicot” plants; they typically have 2 cotyledons. Developing more than 2 cotyledons is a relatively rare trait.