Developmental Biology

A.Y. 2018/2019
6
Max ECTS
48
Overall hours
SSD
BIO/01 BIO/06
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course will introduce the student to the most important aspects of the developmental Biology and to the most significative model organisms employed in developmental studies. The course will also discuss the use of mutants and the most important techniques daily used by the researchers in this field.
Expected learning outcomes
Undefined
Single course

This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.

Course syllabus and organization

A - L

Responsible
Course syllabus
Animal developmental biology:
- From fertilized egg to the individual: developmental genetic and epigenetic program.
- Tissue differentiation and stem cells.
- Animal models used in developmental biology.
- Fertilization.
- Developmental phases: segmentation, gastrulation, organogenesis, morphogenesis.
- Body axis formation: antero-posterior and dorso-ventral development.
- Induction: insights on embryonic cell-cell communication.
- Vertebrate limb development.
- Experimental embryology: normal and abnormal development.

Plant developmental biology:
- Differences and similarities between plant and animal development
- Plant model systems
- Developmental drivers: asymmetric cell division, morphogenic gradients and transcriptional regulation
- Embryo development
- Development and maintenance of the shoot apical meristem
- Development of the root apical meristem
- Positioning of lateral organs on the main stem and acquisition of leaf identity and polarity
- Floral transition in response to seasonal cues (cold and photoperiod)
- Flower development


Reference Material
S.F. Gilbert, Biologia dello sviluppo. Zanichelli; J. M. W. Slack, Fondamenti di Biologia dello sviluppo, Zanichelli; Le Moigne-Foucrier, Biologia dello Sviluyppo, EdiSES
M.M. Altamura, S. Biondi, L. Colombo, F. Guzzo. Elementi di Biologia dello sviluppo delle piante Ed. Edises, lecture notes and slides, review papers on specific subjects will be provided by the teacher.


Prerequisites and examination procedures
Written exam with open questions related to both Animal and Plant Developmental Biology. Both sections need to be completed.


Teaching Methods
Lectures


Language of instruction
Italian


Recommended Prerequisites
Cell biology, Plant Biology and Systematic
BIO/01 - GENERAL BOTANY
BIO/06 - COMPARATIVE ANATOMY AND CYTOLOGY
Lessons: 48 hours

M - Z

Responsible
Course syllabus
Animal developmental biology:
- From fertilized egg to the individual: developmental genetic and epigenetic program.
- Tissue differentiation and stem cells.
- Animal models used in developmental biology.
- Fertilization.
- Developmental phases: segmentation, gastrulation, organogenesis, morphogenesis.
- Body axis formation: antero-posterior and dorso-ventral development.
- Induction: insights on embryonic cell-cell communication.
- Vertebrate limb development.
- Experimental embryology: normal and abnormal development.

Plant developmental biology:
- Differences and similarities between plant and animal development
- Plant model systems
- Developmental drivers: asymmetric cell division, morphogenic gradients and transcriptional regulation
- Embryo development
- Development and maintenance of the shoot apical meristem
- Development of the root apical meristem
- Positioning of lateral organs on the main stem and acquisition of leaf identity and polarity
- Floral transition in response to seasonal cues (cold and photoperiod)
- Flower development


Reference Material
S.F. Gilbert, Biologia dello sviluppo. Zanichelli; J. M. W. Slack, Fondamenti di Biologia dello sviluppo, Zanichelli; Le Moigne-Foucrier, Biologia dello Sviluyppo, EdiSES
M.M. Altamura, S. Biondi, L. Colombo, F. Guzzo. Elementi di Biologia dello sviluppo delle piante Ed. Edises, lecture notes and slides, review papers on specific subjects will be provided by the teacher.


Prerequisites and examination procedures
Written exam with open questions related to both Animal and Plant Developmental Biology. Both sections need to be completed.


Teaching Methods
Lectures


Language of instruction
Italian


Recommended Prerequisites
Cell biology, Plant Biology and Systematic
BIO/01 - GENERAL BOTANY
BIO/06 - COMPARATIVE ANATOMY AND CYTOLOGY
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
On appointment (email)
Torre C 7th floor