The Science
Open Flower is the art project of Nick Desnoyer Nick Desnoyer

Above is the floral meristem of Arabidopsis thaliana, genetically rewired to produce
endless whorls of pink petals. Flowers follow rules and those rules can be rewritten.

Introducing the Micro-Rose!

The Micro-Rose is a new type of ornamental flower designed by Nick Desnoyer based on the genetic backbone of Arabidopsis thaliana.

Because of its ease of genetic transformation, quick life cycle, and well characterised genome, the Micro-Rose is excellent for exploring aesthetic uses of plant biotechnology and prototyping.

How is the Micro-Rose designed?

Flower genetic design consists of two principles: 

(1) Genetic Sculpting: Designing the morphology and arrangement of floral organs through genetic manipulation

(2) Genetic Painting: Changing the colour and patterning of colours in the flower through genetic manipulation

Flower Genetic Sculpting:

(1) the basics

Here I will introduce the ABC model of flower development

Flower Genetic Sculpting

The Micro-Rose is an ornamental flower designed by Nick Desnoyer based on the genetic backbone of Arabidopsis thaliana.

The ARt

Open Flower Kit

Open Flower promotes education and open science in biology through an open-access kit that is under development.

Want to design your own flower?
Click below!

Open Toolkit

Want to get in touch?
Drop me a line!

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