Learning objectives
- Understand the fundamental principles regulating plant development and physiology.
- Compare and understand the differences and similarities between developmental and physiological processes in plants and animals, as well as among different plant structures, organs, and species.
- Identify and recall key examples of gene regulation associated with major physiological and developmental processes in plants.
- Apply knowledge of fundamental mechanisms to develop innovative solutions in the field of plant biotechnology.
- Analyze and explain findings from international scientific research, synthesizing key concepts and evaluating the impact of discoveries within scientific and applied contexts
Prerequisites
Course unit content
ORIGIN OF MULTICELLULARITY IN PLANTS
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
EMBRYOGENESIS: From a single cell to a new organism
MOLECULAR EVENTS UNDERLYING SEED DEVELOPMENT
MERISTEMS
DEVELOPMENT OF THE ROOT APICAL MERISTEM
DEVELOPMENT OF THE SHOOT APICAL MERISTEM
SECONDARY MERISTEMS
STOMATAL DEVELOPMENT AND LEAF TRANSPIRATION
FLOWER DEVELOPMENT AND DIVERSITY: The MORPHOLOGY of FLOWERS is linked to pollination strategies
SYMMETRY IN PLANTS
THE CELL CYCLE AND DEVELOPMENT
CELL DIFFERENTIATION
STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE MINERAL NUTRITION IN PLANTS
THE GREEN REVOLUTION, GENETIC MODIFICATIONS FOR INCREASED CROP YIELD, AND SUPERFOODS
Full programme
Bibliography
Teaching methods
Assessment methods and criteria
Other information
These lessons aim to develop a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating plant physiology and development. Students will have the opportunity to become familiar with cutting-edge techniques for studying gene expression regulation and protein-level controls in plants.
They will gain expertise in genetic networks and growth models derived from the study of Arabidopsis thaliana, a widely used model organism in plant biology. The described molecular mechanisms will also be analyzed from a biotechnological perspective, exploring how knowledge of fundamental mechanisms can be applied in practical contexts. For instance, understanding genetic networks and growth models can be utilized to enhance agricultural yield, improve food quality, and optimize tolerance to environmental stress.
During practical sessions, Journal Clubs will be organized, where students will discuss recently published scientific articles to delve into innovative topics and develop critical thinking about new discoveries. This approach will foster connections between fundamental research and practical applications, promoting an interdisciplinary and innovative perspective
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
