Methods in Applied Plant Biology
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The teaching aims to offer an overview of the main technologies used in Plant Biology, ranging through genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and metabolism studies. The course also aims to provide the theoretical basis for planning experiments with plants correctly.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the teaching, the student will have acquired theoretical skills on the methods described, will be able to apply them in the context of a specific biological question, will be able to plan experiments in the lab and interpret the data, also based on appropriate statistical methods.
Lesson period: First 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
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Design of an experiment in Plant Biology. Practical introduction to scientific discussion.
Genetic transformation, Agrobacterium tumefaciens and introduction to typical vectors used for transgenesis.
Plant transformation: Floral dip, particle gun and in vitro crop transformation. Bases of plant's in-vitro culture, working in a sterile environment.
Analysis of gene expression: structure of plant promoters, types of RNA, transcription and retro-transcription, in situ hybridization, the use of reporter genes in plant biology studies.
Quantitative PCR (with practical examples of data analysis).
Transcriptomics.
Protein-protein interaction analysis.
Gene editing in plants (with practical cases, data analysis and interpretation).
Proteins, enzymology and analytical techniques in relation to the study of the cell wall.
Introduction to the study of plant metabolism.
Principles and regulation of genetic technologies in agriculture.
The course will also include interactive discussions of some scientific articles, to identify the strengths and weaknesses, both technically and from the perspective of experimental design.
Reference Material:
The slides and videos shown during the course and scientific articles and reviews (in English) will be distributed by the teachers. The slides of the course are not sufficient material for the preparation of the exam; therefore, it is strongly recommended to support that material with notes taken during the lessons (it is also recommended to attend the classes).
Genetic transformation, Agrobacterium tumefaciens and introduction to typical vectors used for transgenesis.
Plant transformation: Floral dip, particle gun and in vitro crop transformation. Bases of plant's in-vitro culture, working in a sterile environment.
Analysis of gene expression: structure of plant promoters, types of RNA, transcription and retro-transcription, in situ hybridization, the use of reporter genes in plant biology studies.
Quantitative PCR (with practical examples of data analysis).
Transcriptomics.
Protein-protein interaction analysis.
Gene editing in plants (with practical cases, data analysis and interpretation).
Proteins, enzymology and analytical techniques in relation to the study of the cell wall.
Introduction to the study of plant metabolism.
Principles and regulation of genetic technologies in agriculture.
The course will also include interactive discussions of some scientific articles, to identify the strengths and weaknesses, both technically and from the perspective of experimental design.
Reference Material:
The slides and videos shown during the course and scientific articles and reviews (in English) will be distributed by the teachers. The slides of the course are not sufficient material for the preparation of the exam; therefore, it is strongly recommended to support that material with notes taken during the lessons (it is also recommended to attend the classes).
Prerequisites for admission
The student must be familiar with the anatomy of plants and have a solid foundation in molecular and genetic biology.
Recommended Prerequisites:
Plant biology and systematics
Molecular biology and Bioinformatics
Recommended Prerequisites:
Plant biology and systematics
Molecular biology and Bioinformatics
Teaching methods
The slides and videos shown during the course and scientific articles and reviews (in English) will be distributed by the teachers. The slides of the course are not sufficient material for the preparation of the exam; therefore, it is strongly recommended to support that material with notes taken during the lessons (it is also recommended to attend the classes).
Teaching Resources
The slides and videos shown during the course and scientific articles and reviews (in English) will be distributed by the teachers. The slides of the course are not sufficient material for the preparation of the exam; therefore, it is strongly recommended to support that material with notes taken during the lessons (it is also recommended to attend the classes).
Further information is available by contacting the teacher directly
Further information is available by contacting the teacher directly
Assessment methods and Criteria
Teaching is based on lessons supported by PowerPoint slides and videos. Students will also visit a research lab to observe some techniques and use some of the instruments described during the course. They will perform simple experiments.
BIO/01 - GENERAL BOTANY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Ezquer Garin Juan Ignacio, Miranda Mendes Marta Adelina
Shifts:
Professor(s)
Reception:
previo appuntamento richiesto per e-mail