Cytology and Genetics, Institute of

(full name, Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Division of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR), a scientific research institution involved in the study of the basic problems of heredity.

Founded in 1957 in Novosibirsk, the institute has (1977) numerous laboratories. There are laboratories for molecular genetics, the genetics of ontogeny, general cytology, the genetics of cancer, radiation genetics, cytogenetics, cell ultrastructure, evolutionary genetics, population genetics, animal immunogenetics, the genetic principles of animal breeding, and the genetic principles of plant breeding. There are also laboratories for plant heterosis, polyploidy, wheat genetics, experimental mutagenesis, animal physiological genetics, behavioral phenogenetics, and the genetic principles of neuroendocrine regulation. In addition, the institute administers the Ust’-Kamenogorsk Breeding Station and a vivarium. The main areas of research include the structure and functions of the genetic apparatus of the cell, the regularities in the realization of genetic information in ontogeny, and the development of the genetic theory of animal and plant evolution and breeding. The institute combines theoretical studies with the solution of practical problems in agriculture and medicine.

The Institute of Cytology and Genetics trains students of the University of Novosibirsk. It also has a graduate school (aspirantura) for full-time and correspondence students. It accepts for defense doctoral and candidate’s dissertations on genetics and cytology.