OVERVIEW

The course presents the physiological mechanisms at the base of the plant life, from the cellular level to the whole organism. The course aims to highlight the similarities and differences between the physiological and metabolic mechanisms adopted by plants and animals, and to highlight how multidisciplinary approaches are needed to clarify complex biological problems.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching provides knowledge of the physiology regulating the life of plants,from the cellular to the whole organism level. The goal is to highlight the analogies and differences between the physiological and metabolic mechanisms adopted by plants and animals, and how multidisciplinary approaches are needed to clarify complex biological problems. In particular, the course aims to provide the basis for understanding the innumerable potential of plants, as appropriate models for biological and ecological research and as sources of metabolites of agri-food, pharmaceutical and industrial interest.  

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide the indispensable knowledge of the vital processes of plants. The student will therefore understand: the physical and biochemical processes that allow the use of solar energy for the assimilation of inorganic carbon, the characteristic metabolic pathways of plants, the internal and external factors that regulate plant development and plant responses to environmental stresses.

TEACHING METHODS

Frontal lessons.

Please refer to AulaWeb for any updates due to changes in the epidemiological situation.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Photosynthesis: the light reactions; collection and conversion of radiant energy into chemical energy, photosynthetic pigments, linear flow and cyclic flow of electrons, photoprotective mechanisms. Photosynthesis: carbon reactions; the Calvin-Benson cycle, sucrose biosynthesis, starch biosynthesis and architecture. Phloem, the partition of photoassimilates. Photorespiration: the C2 oxidative photosynthetic carbon cycle. CO2-concentrating mechanisms: C4 and CAM plants. Water and plants: definition of water potential. Xylem, theory of tension-cohesion, xylem embolism. Stomata, opening and closing mechanisms. Mineral nutrition and roots. Genesis of membrane potential in plant cells, definition of proton motive force, primary active transport, active secondary transport, passive transport. Absorption inside the plant cell of cations and anions. Outline: assimilation of nitrogen and sulfur; plant movements; plant photoreceptors; plant hormones; secondary metabolites.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

- Rascio, Elementi di Fisiologia Vegetale, Edises

- Taiz and Zeiger, Plant Physiology, Sinauer Associates

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ARMANDO CARPANETO (President)

MAURO MARIOTTI

GIUSEPPINA ALBINA BARBERIS (President Substitute)

LAURA CORNARA (President Substitute)

LUIGI MINUTO (Substitute)

CARLO ALESSANDRO MONTANARI (Substitute)

ENRICA ROCCOTIELLO (Substitute)

MIRCA ZOTTI (Substitute)

LESSONS

Class schedule

PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral examination

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam consists of three questions, the first covers a wide topic and the other two are more specific.

Please refer to AulaWeb for any updates due to changes in the epidemiological situation.

Exam schedule