96053 - Oxygen and Redox Biology

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course the student is familiar with essential concepts of oxygen sensing and redox homeostasis in aerobic organisms, with particular emphasis on photosynthetic ones. In particular, the student is able: - to critically read the scientific literature on the subject; - to give a seminar based on scientific literature on molecular mechanisms of oxygen and redox biology in photosynthetic or non-photosynthetic organisms.

Course contents

Part 1. Biochemical bases of redox biology

Natural history of oxygen on Earth. Chemistry of oxygen and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Antioxidants. Reactive nitrogen and sulphur species: interplay with ROS. Redox post translational modifications and mechanisms of cysteine-based redox signalling. Redox proteomics.

Part 2. Topics of redox biology in plants and animals

Oxygen sensing in metazoans and angiosperms: analogies and specificities.

Redox signalling and light-regulation of photosynthesis.

ROS signalling in abiotic stress responses of plants.

ROS signalling in long distance communication in plants.

Readings/Bibliography

- Reviews and scientific articles indicated by the teacher

- Power point files (Virtuale Unibo)

Teaching methods

- Lectures

- Seminars by external experts 

- Seminars prepared by students

Assessment methods

Students will prepare seminars based on redox biology research papers. The seminars, given to the class during the course, will be evaluated by the teacher.

Exam is oral.

The final grade is based on the evaluation of the seminar and the oral exam.    

Teaching tools

Lectures will be integrated by power point presentations. The files of the power point presentations are made available to the students during the course (Virtuale Unibo).

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Bernardo Trost