Plant Developmental Biology

A.Y. 2018/2019
6
Max ECTS
48
Overall hours
SSD
BIO/01
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The mechanisms that regulate plant development will be illustrated, from embryogenesis to the formation of vegetative and reproductive organs. They will be discussed in the context of plant evolution.
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

Single session

Responsible
Course syllabus
Introduction: plant development, differences between plants and animals, morphogens and positional information. Genetic and molecular tools necessary to study plant development. Model systems.
Embryo development.
Development and maintenance of the shoot apical meristem.
Leaf development: positioning of new vegetative organs, determining leaf shape and polarity.
The floral transition. Environmental cues controlling flowering: photoperiod and vernalization. The evolution of plant responses to environmental cues.
Root development.
Flower and floral organ development. Evolution of the flower from ancestral forms and hypothesis on the molecular mechanisms involved. Sporophytic and gametophytic incompatibility. Seeds and germination.
Artificial manipulation of developmental processes during domestication and domestication genes.


Reference Material
Lecture notes
Slides and videos from the lessons (available in Ariel)
Scientific papers and reviews on specific topics (available in Ariel)


Prerequisites and exam evaluation
A good basic knowledge of plant biology and genetics is required.
Exam: written with open questions on the topics discussed during the lectures. Students that regularly attend the lessons will have the opportunity to split the exam into a midterm and final examination.


Recommended Prerequisites
None


Teaching methods
Method: traditional. Lectures will be given using slides and videos. It is recommended to follow the lectures.


Language of instruction
Italian

Program information
All material will be available in Ariel.

WEB Pages
http://ffornarabsv.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v3/home/Default.aspx
https://users.unimi.it/fornaralab/home.html
BIO/01 - GENERAL BOTANY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours