Plant Physiology and Biochemistry

A.Y. 2023/2024
7
Max ECTS
64
Overall hours
SSD
AGR/13
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
Providing an overview of the plant biochemical and physiological processes that could be exploited both to reduce the environmental impact of modern agricultural practices and to develop strategies and tools to increase crop yield and quality.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will know the main biochemical and physiological processes involved in plant production and will also be able to develop adequate strategies to reduce the environmental impact of modern agricultural practices.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Peculiar aspects of primary metabolism in plants. PHOTOSYTHESIS: i) Light-depended reactions (photosystems; electron transport; photophosphorylation; herbicides affecting photosynthesis); ii) Carbon dioxide assimilation (C3; C4; CAM). Photorespiration. Photosynthate allocation. Reactive oxygen species. Ascorbate-glutathione cycle. Cellular and systemic movement of water. Mineral nutrition: i) essential nutrients; ii) root-soil interactions; iii) the rhizosphere; iv) mineral nutrient uptake; v) allocation and systemic movement of mineral nutrients; vi) nutrient deficiencies; vii) reductive assimilation of nitrogen and sulfur (metabolic implications). Photomorphogenesis.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic concepts in general biology.
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures. Laboratory practices.
Teaching Resources
Scientific papers, reviews and other materials provided during the course.
L. Taiz, E. Zeiger. Fisiologia Vegetale. PICCIN.
Bob B. Buchanan. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology of Plants.
Assessment methods and Criteria
i) Oral examination (20 min - three questions on relevant topics) or ii) PowerPoint presentation (approximately 30 minutes) about the state of the art of a relevant topic. The topic will be proposed by the student.
AGR/13 - AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 7
Single bench laboratory practical: 16 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
upon appointment by E-mail
Dipartimento di Produzione Vegetale