Course program
The course aim is to deepen the knowledge about the organization and architecture of the vascular plants in relation to the changes of the environmental parameters. It aims to provide students with information on cyto-histological experimental techniques for analysis and diagnosis of morpho-functional anomalies due to the environmental changes.
The course is organized in 5 CFU (40 hours) of lectures divided into 3 teaching units and 1CFU (12 hours) of experimental activities.
1st Unit – Plant reproductive strategies in relation to environmental parameters (16 h)
Zygotic embryos and seed: monitoring of embryogenesis and seed germination in relation to the variation of environmental parameters. Somatic embryos and artificial seeds: in vitro cultures to obtain somatic embryos. Somaclonal and gametoclonal variation in relation to the environment. Production and selection of hybrids better adapted to environmental changes. In vitro culture of protoplasts, somatic hybrid and cybrid. Responses and adaptations of plant cell and tissues to environmental stresses.
2nd Unit – Mechanisms of adaptations of cells, tissues and plant organs to environmental stresses (16 h).
In vitro culture for the study of plant responses to biotic and abiotic stress and for environmental remediation. Bioaccumulation of polluting compounds: effects of bioaccumulation on organ and tissue differentiation. Insights into the effects of heavy metals and metalloids on hormonal homeostasis and plant development. Genes involved in plant responses to stresses. Interaction of plants with air: the role of leaves. Model plants for studying the effects of atmospheric particles on plant organisms.
3rd Unit - Plant-environment interactions. Genetically modified plants (8 h)
Secondary metabolites and cyto-histological adaptations in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Pollen, vitality, pollen monitoring and air quality. Pollen and allergens.
Genetically modified organisms: diagnostics and environmental impact. Analysis of the effects of gene transformation on plant organs and tissues. Epigenetics.
Laboratory activities
1) Preparation of cell cultures and sowing of plants under stress conditions, e.g. presence of toxic metals, and growth in controlled environments (2h);
2) Evaluation of the stress effects on plant growth, morphological and histochemical analyses (4h);
3) Techniques for studying plant responses to low temperatures, use of protoplasts (2h);
4) Main molecular biology techniques for the study of the effects of environmental pollutants on plants (2h);
5) Techniques for the study of pollen (2h).
Prerequisites
knowledge of Botany and plant physiology
Books
Teaching material will be provided to students during the course.
Frequency
Attendance at the lessons is not mandatory, but recommended.
Exam mode
An oral examination will be proposed at the end of oral and laboratory lessons. The examination aims is to verify the level of knowledge and in-depth analysis of the topics of the teaching program and reasoning skills developed by the student. The exam allows to verify the achievement of the objectives in terms of knowledge and skills acquired as well as communication skills. During the exam the level of knowledge reached will be evaluated, the property of language, the clarity of exposition and the critical capacity are also assessed.
Bibliography
The bibliography is given at the end of each topic.
Lesson mode
The course is delivered in the traditional way with frontal lessons (5CFU) and laboratory exercises (1CFU).
