B1821 - Molecular Basis of Plant Productivity

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student knows the theoretical and practical aspects related to the energy conversion of light into biomass in cultivated plants, with particular reference to the molecular mechanisms and physiological processes that constrain plant productivity. In the context of the various physiological processes dealt with, the student knows how to investigate specific problems of plant-agricultural biotechnological interest at the molecular level.

Course contents

• Conversion of light energy into plant biomass energy, a quantitative approach to plant physiology.
• Photosynthesis: light phase and carbon metabolism: from the whole plant to molecular processes.
• Assimilation of nitrogen and sulfur.
• Respiratory metabolism and fermentations.
• Plant water balance: stomata and productivity
• Biotechnology for the sustainable increase of agricultural plant productivity.

Readings/Bibliography

• Rascio N et al (2021) Elementi di Fisiologia vegetale. EdiSES, terza edizione
• Research papers and reviews

Teaching methods

Lectures with ppt presentations

Assessment methods

The exam consists of an oral interview covering topics from the Module 1 syllabus (Trost), worth a maximum of 30 points. Additionally, students can earn up to 1 point from the written test administered at the end of the laboratory part (Module 2, Zaffagnini) and up to 2 points from an optional seminar. The final grade (out of 30) is the sum of these three scores. The seminars will focus on research articles agreed upon with the teacher and will be prepared in groups, with all group members presenting to the class.

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 professor, 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.

Teaching tools

ppt files will be made available to the students (Virtuale)

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Bernardo Trost

See the website of Mirko Zaffagnini