Plant Biology

Basic knowledge on cell biology: structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids; eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell; meiosis and mitosis. Differences between animal, prokaryotic and plant cells. Structure of cell membranes and description of the endomembrane system (endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, plasma membrane, vesicular trafficking) with special reference to differences in the functioning and organization of these organelles in animal and plant cells. Structure and functions of the vacuole as a multifunctional compartment in the plant cell and as a generator of the turgor pressure necessary for plant cell function and important in growth and differentiation processes. Detailed description of function and structure of the cell wall and cell wall modification during cell differentiation. Description of the major and secondary components of the wall and its organization into median lamella, primary and secondary wall; description of its synthesis and deposition. Functions and ultrastructure of the different plastids (proplastids, chromoplasts, leucoplasts and chloroplasts) and hints at the process of photosynthesis (light and dark phase, C4 and CAM photosynthesis).
Organization of vascular plants. Primary and secondary meristematic, integumental, parenchymal and supporting tissues. Conducting tissues (xylem and phloem); their organization in the different types of bundles, arrangement of bundles to determine different types of stele: protostele, actinostele siphonostele, siphono-eustele, eustele, atactostele and their distribution in the organs of mono- and dicotyledonous angiosperms. Anatomy of stems (primary and secondary structure), roots (primary structure) and leaves in mono- and dicotyledonous angiosperms.
Application in the identification and study of archaeobotanical and/or ethnobotanical specimens, particularly wood.
Plant reproduction and ontogenetic cycles with special reference to the evolution of the haplodiplon cycle from Bryophytes to Spermatophytes, to the evolution of spores/pollen and to the appearance of fruits with application of the study of these structures in the context of cultural heritage. Morphological, functional and reproductive characteristics of fungi, algae, lichens; applications in biodeterioration of cultural heritage.