12818 - Plant Biology

Learning outcomes

The course will give the general information on the fundamental knowledge on the origin, morphology, function and reproduction of plant eukaryots in order to understand the biodiversity of plants having a possible biotechnological application.

Course contents

PROFILES OF PLANT CLASSIFICATION. Presentation of plants having a biotechnological application. Cycle of carbon; Autotrophy and heterotrophy. The biosphere. Elements of bioenergetics. CYTOLOGY Characteristics of higher plant cells: differences between plant and animal cell. Different types of plastids;  Photosynthesis. The cell wall and its modifications. The vacuoles. Elements of the secondary metabolism. The nucleus. The mitosis, Types of growth. HISTOLOGY The tissues: meristems, protection, parenchyma, mechanical and of conduction. The vascular bundles. ANATOMY and ORGANOGRAPHY Primary structure of higher plant roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits. Secondary Structure of roots, stems. The  seed and germination. Reproduction. Metagenetic cycle. Elements of programmed cell death .
PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY. The in vitro cultures. Transgenic plants.

Readings/Bibliography

JD Mauseth  
BOTANICA - parte generale. II edizione italiana
Coordinamento editoriale D Serafini Fracassini 
Casa Editrice Idelson-Gnocchi 2006

-Speranza A. e Calzoni G.L. - STRUTTURA DELLE PIANTE IN IMMAGINE - Zanichelli, 2000.

Teaching methods

Oral presentations

Assessment methods

Oral examination with possible written tests about the program presented during lessons. If a fundamental subject will be not sufficiently known the entire examination will be negatively evaluated. An unique mark will result from the examination of the separate “moduli”.

Teaching tools

Video projector for power points prepared by the teacher.

Office hours

See the website of Donatella Serafini Fracassini