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The world's biggest, bounciest inflatable plant cell - developed at The University of Western Australia- will  open for the public to bounce around in at Sydney's Darling Harbour tomorrow (June 26) and Thursday June 27 after bad weather delayed its launch earlier this week.

UWA's ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology (ARC PEB) is the proud developer of the 10 metre by 13 metre structure which incorporates all the elements needed for the molecular function of plants.

"Bio-Bounce" will be on display and open to the public for two days to coincide with the 24th International Conference on Arabidopsis Research ( ICAR ) at the Sydney Convention Centre.

To create the giant inflatable, a plant cell has been enlarged one million times to create an exhibition big enough that people can bounce around in it and have a memorable, interactive experience.

"A picture in a book just can't demonstrate the extraordinary level of activity that goes on in a cell," said developer Alice Trend.  "It's a really exciting place! We have managed to turn the theoretical - something you could only try to picture in your head - into something that you can get immersed in."

One of the main drivers behind Bio-Bounce is to create an educational tool that helps the community better understand how cells work and why researchers study them.  We believe this will help people make informed choices on new technologies in biology.  Getting people excited about science and science careers is also a major aim of the Giant Cell.

The ARC PEB is one of the world's top plant energy research organisations, combining the expertise of more than 100 scientists from The University of Western Australia (headquarters), the Australian National University and University of Adelaide.  Scientists attending the ICAR conference will be helping to guide activities and answer science questions from the public.

Note: The event is not suitable for children under 4 years old.

WHAT: Bio-Bounce, the Giant Inflatable Plant Cell.

WHEN:               Open to the public: Wednesday June 26, 3 - 5pm and Tues 27, 9am - 1pm.

WHERE: Palm Grove, Darling Harbour, Sydney (between IMAX and the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre).

IMAGES:            High resolution, fun images of inflatable plant cell available on request.

Media references

Alice Trend (ARC COE Plant Energy Biology)  (+61 8)  6488 4481  /  (+61 4) 50 300 039
Michael Sinclair-Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 00 700 783