Plant Physiology
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The aim of the teaching is to provide to students the basic knowledge of plant physiology, with particular regard to aspects of development, metabolism and environmental adaptations. In detail, the teaching aims to develop this knowledge at different levels of organization, from the molecular level to the whole plant. Furthermore, it will also provide notions related to the analysis of complex functions from a biochemical, biophysical and molecular-biological point of view and an understanding of how the individual components interact with each other at the systems biology level.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the teaching, the student will have a basic knowledge of plant physiology and the ability to distinguish the different functions of plants, as well as systems biology. From a communicative point of view, the student will be able to describe the physiological states of plants linked to aspects of development, metabolism and also to different adaptations to the environment. The student will have the ability to update and deepen their knowledge about the different levels of plant organization.
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
Lesson period
Second semester
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.
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.
Prerequisites for admission
Students are expected to have basic knowledge of: organic and biological chemistry, physics, plant cytology and botany. Bionergetics, thermodynamics and kinetics of biological conversion of chemical and light energy. Chemical potential in biological reactions and in solute transport.
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
Teaching Resources
Suggested text book
Taiz, Zieger, Plant Physiology Sinauer Associates
Copies of the projected material will be available as pdf files at http://ariel.unimi.it/User/Default.aspx
Taiz, Zieger, Plant Physiology Sinauer Associates
Copies of the projected material will be available as pdf files at http://ariel.unimi.it/User/Default.aspx
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is written, with 10 questions, 6 of which are open and 4 multiple choice. Answers to the open questions will be assessed on the basis of synthesis, critical thinking and the ability to apply knowledge to problem solving. Answers to the multiple choice questions will allow to evaluate basic knowledge.
BIO/04 - PLANT PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 9
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 64 hours
Lessons: 64 hours
Professors:
Moroni Anna, Saponaro Andrea Cosimo
Shifts:
Professor(s)
Reception:
by appointment
via Balzaretti 9, or on MS Teams