Integrated Systems of Plants
A.Y. 2022/2023
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).
Expected learning outcomes
1. To illustrate the main types of plant-environment interactions in response to biotic and abiotic stresses and the resulting plant response strategies.
2. Define the different ways of molecular communication of plants with beneficial (symbiosis) or pathogenic (focus on defence mechanisms) organisms.
3. Analyse the effects of biotic or abiotic factors on plant development at various levels (biomolecular, biochemical).
4. Apply the acquired knowledge, in relation to the strategies adopted by plants to interact and respond to the surrounding environment, also to solve potential environmental problems (recovery of polluted soils, benefits of particular types of symbiosis, etc.)
2. Define the different ways of molecular communication of plants with beneficial (symbiosis) or pathogenic (focus on defence mechanisms) organisms.
3. Analyse the effects of biotic or abiotic factors on plant development at various levels (biomolecular, biochemical).
4. Apply the acquired knowledge, in relation to the strategies adopted by plants to interact and respond to the surrounding environment, also to solve potential environmental problems (recovery of polluted soils, benefits of particular types of symbiosis, etc.)
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
Course currently not available
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 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.
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