Plant Molecular and Developmental Biology
Theory: 3 hours/week | ECTS Units: 5
Learning Outcomes
The aim of this course is to provide students with knowledge and skills related to (a) the molecular basis of gene regulation and signaling in plant cells, (b) the experimental approaches used for the study of plants, and (c) the genetic background of plant development.
Upon completion of the course, students are expected:
- to understand and be able to describe (a) cellular molecular signaling and the molecular mechanisms activated by the action of both endogenous and environmental factors that determine and regulate gene expression at both the cellular and organismal levels, and (b) the key genes and molecular mechanisms that determine and regulate plant growth and development;
- to be familiar with the methodologies used for studying plants at the molecular level and to be able to propose experimental designs for addressing questions in plant developmental biology.
Analytical Description of the Course
i. Cellular signaling induced by plant hormones: auxin, gibberellin, jasmonic acid, cytokinin, ethylene, abscisic acid, brassinosteroids.
ii. Light-induced cellular signaling: signaling downstream of red-light, blue-light, and ultraviolet photoreceptors.
iii. Molecular mechanisms at the cellular and whole-plant level induced by pathogenic and symbiotic microorganisms.
iv. Small RNAs in plants (miRNAs and siRNAs): biogenesis and modes of action.
v. Epigenetics in plants: histone modifications and DNA methylation; epigenetically regulated processes (silencing of transposable elements, control of flowering time, stress responses, genomic imprinting, paramutation).
vi. Methodologies for the study of plant development: model plants, gene expression analysis, plant transformation, molecular genetics approaches in plants, generation and detection of mutations, gene silencing, genetic analysis.
vii. Coordination of development and programmed cell death.
viii. Genetic basis of plant development:
embryogenesis
shoot development
flower development
root and root hair development
Student Performance Evaluation
During the semester, in addition to the textbook, articles and recent studies from the international literature are distributed. Students, working in groups, undertake the investigation of a specific topic proposed by the instructor. In addition, in each lecture, a problem-solving task (quiz) is assigned, which students are asked to reflect on and solve during the course of the week. At the beginning of the following class, the topic introduced in the previous lecture is analyzed and discussed critically. Participation in the quizzes is optional, and each correct answer to a weekly quiz is rewarded with 10 bonus points added to the final grade.
Student assessment is based on their performance in the submitted assignments as well as in the examinations during the examination period. The written examination includes:
- Essay-type questions
- Short-answer questions
- Multiple-choice questions
- Development of an experimental design proposal on a topic related to plant research
The total number of correct answers corresponds to 100 points, which are converted to a final grade on a 10-point scale.
Suggested Bibliography
- Molecular Development of Plants, Χαραλαμπίδη Κ. (Editor), Edition ΕΜΒΡΥΟ, 2009.
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology of Plants, Buchanan B.B., Gruissem W. & Jones R.L., Wiley J & Sons, Ltd., 2002.
- Μechanisms in Plant Development, Leyser O. & Day S., Blackwell Publishing, 2002.
- Molecular Plant Biology, Gilmartin P.M & Bowler C (eds.) Oxford University Press, 2002.
Teaching Material / E-class
Lecturer
