B6304 - PLANT METABOLISM FOR HUMAN HEALTH AND NUTRITION

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student has acquired knowledge, skills and competence in the field of plant metabolism. The student will be able to reconstruct the general architecture of the central metabolism and special metabolism of plants, and the connections with the biosynthetic pathways of major molecules or polymers of interest in human nutrition or health.

Course contents

Primary metabolism as an energy source and biosynthetic precursors for the human diet. Photosynthetic metabolism: light phase, Calvin-Benson cycle, and photorespiration. Nitrogen and sulfur assimilation as key pathways for biosynthesis of amino acids and antioxidant molecules. Biosynthesis of carbohydrates and lipids. Ascorbate and glutathione: physiological roles in plant and human cells. Genetically modified organisms and insight into research articles aimed at improving plants for the production of high-value molecules for human nutrition and health. Special metabolism: hints on secondary metabolites (nitrogen-, sulfur-, phenolic- and terpene-containing compounds) for preparation of seminar activities.

Readings/Bibliography

The bibliography (textbooks/research and review articles) will be recommended during the course.

Teaching methods

Frontal teaching (seminar and lectures), experimental laboratory activity, and preparation and exposition of seminars by course students.

Assessment methods

Oral exam with questions on course content, lab test, and seminar activity on topics selected together with students.

Students have the right to reject the proposed positive grade once (in accordance with the University Teaching Regulations, ART.16, paragraph 5).

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Students recognized as “working students”: please consult the dedicated website (https://www.unibo.it/en/study/guide-to-choosing-your-programme/balancing-study-and-work ) to apply for this status and to learn about the available measures.

The final grade will be determined on the basis of an overall assessment broken down according to the following criteria: content knowledge (accurate and thorough understanding of the fundamental concepts covered in the course and ability to link together the different topics addressed), analytical and synthesis skills (ability to identify the key points of an argument, ability to critically rework the knowledge acquired, and ability to structure a clear and coherent discourse), and expository skills (clarity and order in the exposition of content, communicative fluency and argumentative skills, ability to respond pertinently and punctually to any questions or prompts)

Teaching tools

The course will be held in classrooms with PC projection. All lectures and seminars will be carried out through power point presentations. The files of the power point presentations and the teaching materials supporting lectures and seminars (articles, reviews, bibliography, and websites) will be made available to the students at the end of the course.

Office hours

See the website of Mirko Zaffagnini

See the website of Libero Gurrieri