Biologia cellulare e funzionale delle piante
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
Undefined
Expected learning outcomes
Undefined
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
* Plant Biology
The plant cell and its main features: vacuole, cell wall, plastids
Osmosis, turgor pressure and the importance of the cell wall
Histology: the plant tissues. Angiosperm anatomy: stem, leaves, roots
Flowers and inflorescences
Sexual reproduction: haplodiplontic life cycle, alternation of generations
Seeds: anatomy, germination, dispersion. Fruits: anatomy, dispersion
Asexual reproduction and apomixis
Plant hormones: auxin, cytokinins, gibberellins, ethylene and abscisic acid
Phototropism and gravitropism
Plant-environment interactions: seasonal flowering and photoperiodism
Plant domestication and varietal improvement
* Plant Physiology
Photosynthesis and the structure of the photosynthetic apparatus; synthesis of ATP and NADPH and their role in the Calvin and photorespiratory cycle; C4 and CAM cycles; light and CO2 compensation points.
Solute transport across membranes at the cellular, tissue and plant level
Nernst equation, pumps, channels and transporters. Active and passive transport
Apoplast and symplast; water potential and transport across the cell and in the plant
Cohesion-adhesion-tension theory and transpiration. Transport in the phloem: content and mechanisms
Stomata opening and abscisic acid
Starch and sucrose synthesis. Respiration and Glyoxlate cycle.
Absorption, transport and assimilation of nutrients, nitrogen, sulphur and iron in particular. Potential of plant biotechnology.
The plant cell and its main features: vacuole, cell wall, plastids
Osmosis, turgor pressure and the importance of the cell wall
Histology: the plant tissues. Angiosperm anatomy: stem, leaves, roots
Flowers and inflorescences
Sexual reproduction: haplodiplontic life cycle, alternation of generations
Seeds: anatomy, germination, dispersion. Fruits: anatomy, dispersion
Asexual reproduction and apomixis
Plant hormones: auxin, cytokinins, gibberellins, ethylene and abscisic acid
Phototropism and gravitropism
Plant-environment interactions: seasonal flowering and photoperiodism
Plant domestication and varietal improvement
* Plant Physiology
Photosynthesis and the structure of the photosynthetic apparatus; synthesis of ATP and NADPH and their role in the Calvin and photorespiratory cycle; C4 and CAM cycles; light and CO2 compensation points.
Solute transport across membranes at the cellular, tissue and plant level
Nernst equation, pumps, channels and transporters. Active and passive transport
Apoplast and symplast; water potential and transport across the cell and in the plant
Cohesion-adhesion-tension theory and transpiration. Transport in the phloem: content and mechanisms
Stomata opening and abscisic acid
Starch and sucrose synthesis. Respiration and Glyoxlate cycle.
Absorption, transport and assimilation of nutrients, nitrogen, sulphur and iron in particular. Potential of plant biotechnology.
Prerequisites for admission
General and Cell Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry
Teaching methods
Lectures are delivered in classroom ("in presence") and the teaching is done in Italian.
Lectures are supported by powerpoint slides, in order to create a logical thread with the help of data, formulas, images and videos.
Practical labs last around 16 hrs and focus on two subjects:
1. plant cellular structures and tissues observations with light microscopy
2. in vitro culture of plant tissue and plant regeneration from callus
Lectures are supported by powerpoint slides, in order to create a logical thread with the help of data, formulas, images and videos.
Practical labs last around 16 hrs and focus on two subjects:
1. plant cellular structures and tissues observations with light microscopy
2. in vitro culture of plant tissue and plant regeneration from callus
Teaching Resources
* Plant Biology Raven Biology of Plants, Eighth Edition by Ray Evert, Susan Eichhorn, publ. Freeman,
alternatively: Botanica Generale e Diversità Vegetale, G. Pasqua, G. Abbate, C. Forni, IV edizione Ed. Piccin
* Plant Physiology: AAVV. (2021, 3rd edition) Elementi di fisiologia vegetale (a cura di Nicoletta Rascio) [in italian!]
alternatively: Botanica Generale e Diversità Vegetale, G. Pasqua, G. Abbate, C. Forni, IV edizione Ed. Piccin
* Plant Physiology: AAVV. (2021, 3rd edition) Elementi di fisiologia vegetale (a cura di Nicoletta Rascio) [in italian!]
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam - the exam aims to assess knowledge of the topics discussed during the course and understanding of the relationship between structure and function of plants. The report on the laboratory is also part of the exam.
BIO/01 - GENERAL BOTANY - University credits: 5
BIO/04 - PLANT PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 3
BIO/04 - PLANT PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Exercises: 16 hours
Lessons: 56 hours
Lessons: 56 hours
Professors:
Betti Camilla, Morandini Piero Angelo
Shifts:
Professors:
Betti Camilla, Morandini Piero Angelo
Professor(s)
Reception:
e-mail appointment
3C
Reception:
Please, contact me by email to fix an appointment
via Celoria 10, building 22120, floor -1