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, 3 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. Genetic transformation. 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:

During the practical activity, in vitro and in vivo approaches will be used. The in vitro activity will focus on cloning, expression, purification and biochemical characterization of the β-amylase 1 (BAM1) of Arabidopsis thaliana. The in vivo activity will allow quantifying primary starch concentration in Arabidospsis plants harvested at different light conditions.

Readings/Bibliography

Module 1

- Plant Physiology and Development, Sixth Edition, by Lincoln Taiz, Eduardo Zeiger, Ian M. Møller, and Angus Murphy, Oxford University Press (2018).

- Plant Biology, AM Smith et al., Garland Science (2009)

- 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.

Assessment methods

The final exam consists in two parts that concur to the final evaluation:

- written test including questions on both modules (max 28 points)

- oral exam (max 5 points)

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