Learning objectives
<br />The purpose of this course is to provide some information, relevant to plant genetics, that have not been dealt with by elementary genetics courses.<br />1 - The process by which plant species have been domesticated and its implication for the evolution of plants and humans and for future modification of agricultural species; the possible role of new technologies (biotechnology) in resolving environmental problems involving agriculture and biodiversity; understanding the science base of our food, land, people and environmental systems and their interface with the social, economic, and political systems.<br />2 - Extrachromosomal genetic systems of plants (chloroplasts and mitochondria) will be analysed and their contribution to evolution in terms of plasticity and horizontal gene transmission discussed.<br />3 - the common denominators in the developmental proces of organisms will be emphasized. In this course will be dealt with the development of flower on the molecular and genetic level.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
<br />Plants and Humans - Agriculture and development. Production and sustainability. Crop improvement: breeding, selection and loss of genetic diversity.<br />Plant Biotechnology - Historical survey. In vitro cell, organ and tissue cultures. Selection of mutants; somaclonal variation: Plant transformation: methods, advantages and risks; examples and perspectives.<br />Extra-nuclear genetic systems -The chloroplast: structure and function; chloroplast DNA, gene organisation and regulation of their expression. Origin and endosymbiotic evolution. The mitochondria of plants: structure and function. Mitochondrial DNA, gene organisation and regulation of their expression. Origin and endosymbiotic evolution. Interactions among the three genetic systems (nucleus ,chloroplast, mitochondria).<br />Genetic regulation of plant development, an example - Plant reproduction and flower development: control of meristems identity, the ABC model, homeotic genes and MADS box genes.<br />
Full programme
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Bibliography
<br />Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare delle Piante Zanichelli B.B. Buchanan et al<br /> <br />Biologia Vegetale applicata Piccin M.J. Chrispeels et al<br /> <br />DNA Ricombinante Zanichelli J.D.Watson et al<br /> <br />Biotecnologia Molecolare Zanichelli B.R. Glick et al
Teaching methods
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Other information
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