Integrated Systems of Plants
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide basic concepts to understand strategies developed by plants to interact and respond to the surrounding environment, being it either biotic or abiotic, and how this interaction can influence plant development. The study will develop at various levels, including the molecular, biochemical and developmental ones, and will also discuss the adaptations of plants to environments characterized by the presence of stressful conditions (biotic or abiotic). Part of the course will deal with the interactions between plants and humans.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the students will be familiar with the major communication strategies used by plants to interact with other organisms, and discuss the defense mechanisms activated under stress conditions.
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
The course will address the mechanisms of interaction and development between:
- Plants and bacteria, including nitrogen-fixing ones. Nodule development.
- Plants and fungi, pathogens and symbionts. Mycorrhizae and development of arbuscules in the root.
- Plants and parasitic plants. Communication, invasion and exchange of signaling molecules.
- Plants and abiotic stress.
- Plants and humans. Developmental modifications due to interactions with humans.
The program also includes class sessions for the preparation, discussion and evaluation of a mini-research project. Each student will prepare a personal project related to a favorite topic, discussed during the course.
- Plants and bacteria, including nitrogen-fixing ones. Nodule development.
- Plants and fungi, pathogens and symbionts. Mycorrhizae and development of arbuscules in the root.
- Plants and parasitic plants. Communication, invasion and exchange of signaling molecules.
- Plants and abiotic stress.
- Plants and humans. Developmental modifications due to interactions with humans.
The program also includes class sessions for the preparation, discussion and evaluation of a mini-research project. Each student will prepare a personal project related to a favorite topic, discussed during the course.
Prerequisites for admission
Good knowledge of basic plant biology and physiology, genetics.
Teaching methods
Method: traditional. Lectures will be given using slides and videos. It is recommended to take part to the lectures.
Teaching Resources
Lecture notes
Slides and videos from the lessons (available in Ariel)
Scientific papers and reviews on specific topics (available in Ariel)
Slides and videos from the lessons (available in Ariel)
Scientific papers and reviews on specific topics (available in Ariel)
Assessment methods and Criteria
The knowledge of the students related to the topics discussed during the course will be assessed, as well as the ability to understand a specialized scientific text and the ability to develop a simple research project.
BIO/04 - PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
BIO/18 - GENETICS
BIO/18 - GENETICS
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Betti Camilla, Fornara Fabio
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
e-mail appointment
3C