AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course is aimed at providing the essential elements of plant biology, including morphology, anatomy,
physiology, and development and reproductive biology of superior plants.
It is also aimed at providing a general view of plant genetic diversity, and showing applications of these
notions to domestication processes, and improvement and selection of ornamental plants.

TEACHING METHODS

Class lessons, microscope observations of plant samples, visit to the Botanical Garden of the University of Genova.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Program of Part I (Plant Biology) 2017/18 per Biotecnologie (3CFU):
-Elements of plant biology: similarities and differences between plants and animals; Systematics of main
plant taxa; applications of plant biology to medicinal chemistry, medicine, and environmental sciences.
- Distinctive features of the plant cell: cell wall (primary and secondary cell wall, cell wall changes and
related functional aspects); vacuole (functions, vacuole contents and secondary metabolites); plastids
(plasticity, functions, pigments).
- Plant anatomical structure: evolutionary change from thallus to cormus; pseudotissues and tissues;
differentiation of meristem cells into adult cells and regulatory factors; totipotency of plant cells; examples
of programmed cell death (PCD). Plant tissues: localization, meristem organization and function, tegument,
parenchyma, storage, mechanical, and transporting tissues, and stele.
- Root, stem, leaves, flower: features and functions; elements of plant nutrition and transport mechanisms;
plant adaptations to different environments and defense mechanisms.
-Elements of plant reproduction. Angiosperm reproduction: pollination mechanisms; double fertilization;
from seed formation to germination; quiescence and dormancy.
The course will include observations of plant samples with light transmission and scanning electron
microscopes (SEM), and a visit to the Botanical Garden of Genova University with observations of living
plant individuals (especially plants of economical, nutritional, and medicinal importance).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

-Solomon et al. "Struttura e processi vitali nelle piante",7a edizione, Edisess, 2017

- Sadava et al. "Biologia. La biologia delle piante", 3a edizione, Zanichelli. 2009

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ANDREA ALLAVENA (President)

LAURA CORNARA (President)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

March, date to be scheduled.

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Discussion of powerpoint presentation concerning the topics of both sections of the course

Exam schedule