diff --git a/assays/MSA_dissection/protocols/dissection_of_MSAs.txt b/assays/MSA_dissection/protocols/dissection_of_MSAs.md
similarity index 83%
rename from assays/MSA_dissection/protocols/dissection_of_MSAs.txt
rename to assays/MSA_dissection/protocols/dissection_of_MSAs.md
index b49b58e714fd1a359937982b3e1c93a1c3cc058a..eccde7f272f1464cc793c8e8d26a7c866ad11dc5 100644
--- a/assays/MSA_dissection/protocols/dissection_of_MSAs.txt
+++ b/assays/MSA_dissection/protocols/dissection_of_MSAs.md
@@ -1,6 +1,10 @@
+## Dissection of main shoot apices (MSAs) of barley plants
+
+**Growth:**
 - per genotype: choose approx. 4 random plants every 6-8 days (SD) or every 2-10 days (LD)
 - start 5 days after emergence (DAE)
 
+**Dissection:**
 - remove the leaves surrounding the main shoot apex (MSA) with a blade
 - image MSA with the stereo microscope Nikon SMZ18 with a Nikon DS-Fi2 camera
 - score developmental stage according to Waddington et al. (1983)