Plant Physiology
A.Y. 2018/2019
Learning objectives
The study of plant function, including growth, metabolism and adaptation to environment, at different levels of organization, from the molecular to the whole plant level. Dissection of complex functions into biophysical, biochemical and molecular biology aspects and understanding of how the individual components interact with each other at the system biology level.
Expected learning outcomes
Undefined
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
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
Water and plant cells: water potential and its components. Thermodynamic principles and modalities of water transport at the cell, whole plant, soil and atmosphere level; water movement through the plant; transpiration. Plant cell growth: biophysics of plant cell growth; biochemistry of cell wall synthesis; tip versus diffuse growth. Plant -pathogen interactions at the level of the cell wall.
Photosynthesis: structure and function of the photosystems; conversion of light into chemical energy. CO2 assimilation: the Calvin cycle; photorespiration; sucrose and starch synthesis; C4 plants; CAM plants. Metabolic control of the carbon cycle. Photosynthetic responses to light, pCO2, temperature and water potential.
Solute transport: passive and active transport, transport of solutes across a lipid membrane; membrane transport proteins (ion pumps, channels and carriers). Long distance transport in the plant: interconnection between xylem and phloem transport.
Assimilation of mineral nutrients: nitrogen and ammonium; biological nitrogen fixation.
Growth and development: structure, transport and physiological effects of plant hormones; their role in cell differentiation and plant movements (tropisms). Photomorphogenesis: phytochrome, blue light receptors.
Suggested text book
Taiz, Zieger, Plant Physiology Sinauer Associates
Expected prevous knowledge and final exam
Students are expected to have basic knowledge of botany, biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology.
Students can choose between written (open questions) or viva voce final exam. Students following the course will be given the possibility to split the exam into two written parts, to be sustained respectively half way through and at the end of the course.
Formal prerequisites
See the Prospectus of studies
Teaching methods
Interactive lectures, partially supported by slides; problem solving on the blackboard on quantitative analysis of thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of the addressed biological phenomena
Language
Italian
Further information
Copies of the projected material will be available as pdf files at http://ariel.unimi.it/User/Default.aspx
WEB page
http://midemichelisfv.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v3/home/Default.aspx
Photosynthesis: structure and function of the photosystems; conversion of light into chemical energy. CO2 assimilation: the Calvin cycle; photorespiration; sucrose and starch synthesis; C4 plants; CAM plants. Metabolic control of the carbon cycle. Photosynthetic responses to light, pCO2, temperature and water potential.
Solute transport: passive and active transport, transport of solutes across a lipid membrane; membrane transport proteins (ion pumps, channels and carriers). Long distance transport in the plant: interconnection between xylem and phloem transport.
Assimilation of mineral nutrients: nitrogen and ammonium; biological nitrogen fixation.
Growth and development: structure, transport and physiological effects of plant hormones; their role in cell differentiation and plant movements (tropisms). Photomorphogenesis: phytochrome, blue light receptors.
Suggested text book
Taiz, Zieger, Plant Physiology Sinauer Associates
Expected prevous knowledge and final exam
Students are expected to have basic knowledge of botany, biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology.
Students can choose between written (open questions) or viva voce final exam. Students following the course will be given the possibility to split the exam into two written parts, to be sustained respectively half way through and at the end of the course.
Formal prerequisites
See the Prospectus of studies
Teaching methods
Interactive lectures, partially supported by slides; problem solving on the blackboard on quantitative analysis of thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of the addressed biological phenomena
Language
Italian
Further information
Copies of the projected material will be available as pdf files at http://ariel.unimi.it/User/Default.aspx
WEB page
http://midemichelisfv.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v3/home/Default.aspx
BIO/04 - PLANT PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 9
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 64 hours
Lessons: 64 hours
Professor:
Moroni Anna
Professor(s)