Course Description
Plant physiological processes that control how plants grow and respond to environmental cues. This course will look at how processes at the molecular, cellular, and leaf level interact to affect growth, with a focus on photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, and hormone physiology.
Athena Title
Advanced Plant Physiology
Non-Traditional Format
Course will be taught in traditional format.
Prerequisite
BCMB 6000 or HORT(CRSS) 4430/6430 or HORT(CRSS) 4440/6440-4440L-6440L
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. Integrate plant processes at different scales (molecular biology, biochemistry, leaf level physiology, and whole- plant/crop responses) 2. Improve one's ability to critically read and interpret scientific literature 3. Develop critical thinking skills through the design and execution of a scientific experiment
Topical Outline
Molecular biology and biochemical regulation of metabolism - Gene regulation - Enzyme synthesis - Control of enzymatic activity Photosynthesis - Biophysics: Light absorption, electron transport pathway, conversion of light energy into chemical energy, dissipation of excess light energy - Biochemistry: Calvin Cycle, RubisCO activity, Photorespiration - Alternative photosynthetic pathways: C4 metabolism, CAM metabolism - Carbon fixation and plant growth: Light interception, carbon use efficiency Abscisic acid - Metabolic and signaling pathways and their control - Transport throughout the plant; short and long distance - Physiological responses; stomatal regulation, cold acclimation - Impacts on plant growth Nitrogen metabolism - Regulation and physiology of root uptake of nitrate and ammonium - Nitrate and ammonium metabolism and its regulation - Translocation of nitrogenous compounds - Nitrogen and plant growth
Syllabus