12818 - Plant Biology

Learning outcomes

This class is aimed at giving the basic elements of plant anatomy and plant physiology. The topic of the course is to provide you with a broad and solid background on plant cell, tissue and organ, required to further specialised study.

Course contents

Introduction
Human and environment systems: ecological, economic and social issues.

The plant cell
Cell wall : biosynthesis, structure and function.
Cell membranes : structure and function.
Cell organelles : mitochondria, plastids, microbodies, vacuoles.
Chloroplast : structural and functional aspects.
Cytoskeleton : microtubules, microfilaments, structural proteins and motor proteins.
Cell division.

Energy relationships
Photosynthesis : light reactions and carbon reaction. Physiological and ecological considarations. C3, C4 and CAM plants.

Respiration : glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, electron transport and ATP synthesis.

Plant tissues

Apical and secondary meristems.

Cell growth and differentiation

Parenchyma, epidermal tissues, vascular tissues and secretory tissues

Plant structure and function
The root system : root anatomy and function. The root tip:root cap and apical meristem. Region of elongation and region of differentiation. Primary and secondary root.

The stem : structure and function. Xylem and phloem.

The leaf: structure and function. Stomata: guard cells, stomatal opening. Leaf abscission.

The flower : the androecium and gynoecium. Flower development.

The seed: embryo, endosperm, fruit development.

Readings/Bibliography

Pasqua G., Abbate G., Forni C., 2008, Botanica generale e diversità vegetale, Piccin

Bruni A., 2014, Biologia Farmaceutica, Pearson

For deepening:

Rascio N., Carfagna S., La Rocca N., Lo Gullo M.A., Trost P., Vona V., 2012, Elementi di fisiologia vegetale, EdiSES

Teaching methods

The course will be conducted through lectures with the projection of images and diagrams.
The active participation of students with questions, requests for clarification and deepening is always welcome.

Assessment methods

The final exam consists in a written test on the topics discussed during the lectures of amaximum duration of 2 hours.
The test will consist of 22 multiple choice questions (1 point per question); 3 recognition of cells / tissues / organs of plants (up to 2 points per question); 1 open-ended question (maximum 5 points).

Teaching tools

The course will be conducted through PC projection. The files of the lectures will be made ​​available to students on AMSCAMPUS.

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Sparla