Biochemistry

General skills. At the end of the course and upon passing the exam, the student will acquire the knowledge and skills in the areas listed below. In general, the student will be able to: - describe the main causes of diseases in terms of plant pathology; - explain the main metabolic pathways underlying the communication between plant and pathogen; - describe the constitutive and inducible ways of defense of the plant; - explain the biochemical mechanisms during plant-environment-biome (phytobiome) communication to improve the sustainable strategies for containing plant diseases; - describe the metagenomic and bioinformatics approach to control and contain the plant diseases exploiting the natural abilities of the agrobiomes; - describe the mechanisms of action of the main agrochemicals to contain the plant diseases; Conceptual tools will be provided to carry out laboratory experiences, which will be supported by facilities made available by the University (e.g. Smart Phytotrones). Communication skills will be explored during some lessons, in fact the course provide the use bibliographic resources and to clearly present scientific contents relating to the aspects covered by the program. Specific skills. a) knowledge and understanding: - knowledge and understanding of the plant-pathogen-biome-environment interaction (pathobiome); - knowledge of phytopathogens; - knowledge and understanding of the concept of disease and the pathobiome; - knowledge of the main metabolic pathways underlying plant-pathogen communication. - knowledge of biostimulants and bio-protectors of crops. - knowledge of investigation techniques in the study of plant-pathogen relationships (e.g. metagenomics and bioinformatics); - understanding of the more correct and sustainable use of products for the plant protection with the purpose of protecting human health and environment. b) applying knowledge and understanding: - ability to use specific terminology; - ability to interpret and explain the biological phenomena underlying the plant-pathogen interaction; - ability to outline the classic and integrated strategies to control the plant diseases; - ability to use bibliographic resources and software available on the Web to address and interpret specific problems relating to the topics being taught; - ability to search in the main databases for the metagenomic characterization of complex communities. c) making judgments: - be able to identify the biological mechanisms underlying plant-pathogen interactions; - be able to identify new strategies for protection of the main crops of food interest; - be able to acquire the ability of critical judgment, through the study of scientific articles on key aspects and through in-depth collective discussions. d) communication skills: - be able to describe the metabolic pathways involved during the interaction among plants, organisms and the environment; - be able to illustrate a scientific work through discussions and seminars; - be able to illustrate the results of the research and experimentation carried out in the context of the exercises. e) learning skills: - learning the specific terminology; - acquisition of an autonomous and flexible study method, to allow to conduct research and personal insights in the field of scientific research; - acquisition of skills in the use of bioinformatics tools.