96030 - Plant-Environment Molecular Interactions

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has an in-depth knowledge of (i) how plants respond at the molecular level to biotic and abiotic stress conditions, and (ii) knows the main methodologies involed in the expression of plant proteins in heterologous systems, and their characterization. In particular, the student is able to: - analyze and discuss topics related to the molecular basis of stress physiology in plants; - critically evaluate the scientific literature on the topics covered; - analyze fragments of DNA and transform bacterial cells; - purify recombinant proteins by chromatographic techniques; - conduct analysis of biochemical and molecular characterization of the protein product.

Course contents

The course consists of Module 1 (lectures, 3 ECTS, Prof. Trost) and Module 2 (individual experimental laboratory, 4 ECTS, Prof. Sparla).

Module 1:

Elements of plant genomics. Fundamental characteristics of the genome of Arabidopsis thaliana and other model species in plant physiology. Genomic duplications in the evolution of angiosperms. Polyploidy. Synteny. Direct and reverse genetics techniques applied to plants.

High light stress: photoinhibition and photoprotection. Photosynthetic response to light intensity. Photosynthetic production of ROS. Molecular mechanisms of photoprotection. Chloroplast to nucleus retrograde signalling in high light conditions.

Plant-pathogen interactions. Plant pathogens and pathogenesis. Innate immunity in plants: PAMP, DAMP and basal immunity; effectors, R genes and vertical resistance. Phytoalexins. Crosslinking reactions at the cell wall. Oxidative burst. Hypersensitive response. Acquired systemic resistance (SAR).

Module 2:

The laboratory activities are designed to apply the concepts of genomics, functional genetics, biochemistry, and plant physiology introduced in Module 1 through the study of starch metabolism in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The in vitro component will guide students through the functional characterization of β-amylase 1 (BAM1) by means of expression plasmid analysis, Escherichia coli transformation, recombinant protein expression and purification, and subsequent biochemical characterization. The in vivo component will focus on the analysis of starch metabolism in wild-type and gwd1 mutant plants through qualitative and quantitative determination of leaf starch content under different light conditions.

The integration of the experimental results will enable students to relate protein function to mutant phenotype, highlighting how molecular genetics, biochemistry, and plant physiology complement each other in elucidating the mechanisms regulating carbon metabolism and the role of these processes in plant adaptation to environmental stresses.

Readings/Bibliography

Modulo 1:

- Essential Plant Biology, AM Smith, JA Downie, N Harberd, Taylor & Francis Ltd (2026)

- Reviews and scientific articles indicated by the teacher

- Power point files (Virtuale Unibo)

Module 2:

- The teaching material (lesson slides; links to publications and links to online databases) will be available on the Virtuale - University of Bologna platform via username and password

Teaching methods

Module 1: Lectures

Module 2 (laboratory): each student is required to carry out the experimental laboratory activities individually. The teacher will give a theoretical introduction to the lab and continuous technical assistance. The obtained results will be critically discussed.

As concerns the teaching methods of module 2, it's mandatory for all the students to attend Module 1, 2 online [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio], while Module 3 on health and safety is to be attended in class. Information about Module 3 attendance schedule is available on the website of your degree programme ("studiare"--"formazione obbligatoria su sicurezza e salute").

Assessment methods

The exam consists of a single written test comprising both closed questions (15 questions worth 1 point) and open questions (2 short essays worth 5 points each) on Module 1 (maximum 25 points), and laboratory exercises on Module 2 (maximum 8 points). The maximum total score is therefore 33 points.

Students have the right to reject the proposed positive grade once at least (in accordance with the University Teaching Regulations, ART.18, paragraph 5).

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) during the assessment is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

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

All lectures will be given with power point presentations. The files of power point presentations are made available to the students at the end of the course (Virtuale Unibo).

The lab course will take place in a didactic laboratory with individual workstations.

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Bernardo Trost

See the website of Francesca Sparla