The Centre of Advanced Study on Cell and Chromosome research, Department of Botany, owes its inception to the cytogenetics laboratory of the Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, since Professor A.K. Sharma (the then .Sri A.K.Sharma) joined this University in 1948 as Assistant Lecturer after the departure of Professor P.N.Bhaduri to Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, under whom he had his initial training in chromosome study in this university. Since then , the emphasis of this laboratory was focused towards innovation of new methods for chromosome analysis, from any organ of the plant Since inception till date, the Centre has been holding programmes of regular workshops, seminars and Colloquia on different aspects of emerging areas of Chromosome Research  for the benefit of teachers and researchers alike.

Over 200 students have obtained their PhD and nine have obtained  D.Sc. degrees and more than 1500 publications have emanated from the Centre.

UGC/SAP/CAS-PhaseV:

Date of First Approval by UGC with level at inception: 1972-DSA & 1980-CAS

Subsequent dates for Review : 1985; 1990; 1996; 21^st and 22^nd March, 2004

Date of implementation of current phase as noted by UGC: 01.04.2004

Amount allocated for 5 years:

Non Recurring:    Rs.50 lakh

Recurring:    Rs.37 lakh

Total:  Rs.87 lakh 

Total Grant received since Inception: 161.65 lakh

Thrust Area(s)      

Objectives set forth by review committee

Vide UGC letter no. F 5-3/2004(SAP-II) dated March, 2005

1. To assess the diversity in plant chromosome structure and organization using cytogenetical And molecular tools

2.To: (a)understand the instability of genomes in in vitro cultures of cells ,tissues and organs (b) develop stable clones; (c) augment in vitro production of products of commercial value using tissue culture and genetic transformation studies .

3. To prepare chromosome database for Indian Plants

4. To develop protocols/diagnostic kits for assessing genotoxicity of chemicals disposed in the environment through natural and anthropogenically Mediated processes; and

5. To understand role of the chromosomal diversity in plant evolution and conservation biology.

Activities

New Course introduced and Name:

Aim: To impart M.Sc. Genetics  degree to students holding B.Sc.(Hons) degree in Physical Science, Life Science, Agriculture and to give training in both theoretical and practical aspects of Classical and Molecular Genetics.

The CAS in Cell and Chromosome research is acting as a NODAL CENTRE for PG teaching  in Genetics under Calcutta University introduced in academic session 2002-2003 .

The semester system was introduced from the academic session 2005 with a total credit of 72(seventy two), evenly distributed over the four semesters .The courses are grouped as Core , Supportive and Optional .The number of student intake at present is fourteen: thirteen from Calcutta University including SC/ST category as per UGC norms and one from outside Calcutta University.

After the completion of the first year/second semester examination the students participate in summer projects in different Institutes/Universities of repute .

 Research Highlights:

The general research programme of Centre of Advanced Study in Cell and Chromosome Research has been going on as per the original objectives and the staff have shown excellence in achieving high standards of research on variety of plants with diverse objectives of obtaining insight on different facets of chromosomes in relation to reproduction, differentiation and evolution.

Emerging areas generated from thrust area research so far (Phases I to IV)include Chromosomal and molecular characterization of medicinal and economically important plants with special emphasis on endangered plants; production of pharmaceuticals by genetically transformed and untransformed cultures; development and validation of an in situ plant environment monitoring programme ; micropropagation and conservation of medicinal plants etc. Presently, a comprehensive Chromosome Database in Plants is being developed; while aiming to list all chromosomal details of different families carried out at this Centre is being initially attempted , to be followed later by the data from other laboratories as well.

The Centre is recognized by Third World Academy of Science(TWAS) as Centre of Excellence for visit under TWAS-UNESCO Associate Scheme