Plant Biology

The course aims to provide students with basic information essential for a critical approach to professional disciplines that characterize the degree course. Students will acquire knowledge of cytology, morphology, structure, metabolism, reproduction, nomenclature, taxonomy and systematics of those organisms studied in plant biology (Prokaryotes, Fungi, Bryophytes, Tracheophytes, Spermatophytes).

The course is divided into:

- theoretical lectures on the fundamentals of plant biology;

- practical experience (e.g., technical visits).

Teaching support tools and materials:

PC and video projector to illustrate the lessons in PowerPoint; scientific publications and reports; specialized websites.

No prerequisites.

Although not compulsory, attendance is recommended to acquire the required knowledge in a shorter time and with greater ease.

INTRODUCTION: introduction to botany; the different disciplines of plant biology; ecological, economic and social aspects of plants; autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms; relationships between plants and other organisms: parasitism, saprotrophism, symbiosis; molecular composition of plant cells; inorganic substances; main organic molecules of the plant world; outlines of secondary metabolites.

CYTOLOGY: the plant cell; prokaryotes and eukaryotes; comparison between plant and animal cell; plasma membrane and cell wall: structure, composition and function; plastids: structure and function of chloroplasts, leucoplasts and chromoplasts; outlines of nucleus, vacuoles and other cellular organelles; cell cycle: mitosis; meiosis; vegetative and sexual reproduction; biological cycles.

HISTOLOGY: from cytology to histology: plant tissues; meristematic tissues; adult (or definitive) tissues: integumental, parenchymatic, mechanical, conductive, secretory; outlines of secondary tissues.

ANATOMY: function, morphology and anatomy of plant organs: root, stem and leaf.

PHYSIOLOGY: chlorophyll photosynthesis; water and plants: water balance and transpiration.

SYSTEMATIC: biological diversity; taxonomy: nomenclature and classification; concept of species; taxonomic categories; main groups of organisms: Prokaryotes (Bacteria, Archaea) and Eukaryotes; the Kingdoms of the Eukaryotes; outlines of Prokaryotes; Cyanobacteria; Mushrooms: importance and characteristics; some main groups of Fungi (Zygomycetes, Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes); symbiotic relationships between Fungi and Higher Plants: mycorrhizae; outlines of Algae and Lichens; concept of thallus and corm; conquest of landmass: plant adaptations to terrestrial life; outlines of Bryophytes; Vascular Cryptogams; evolution of vascular plants; Pteridophytes: general characteristics, life cycle, main groups; Spermatophytes: reproductive systems; the appearance of the ovule; structure and function of the ovule; pollen sacs; pollination and fertilization; flower, fruit and seed: functions and types; seed dissemination; Gymnosperms: general characteristics, biological cycle; Cycadophytes, Ginkgophytes, Conifers, Gnetophytes; Angiosperms: general characteristics, biological cycle; main families of Angiosperms with reference to plants of agro-forestry interest; outlines of ecosystem services in terms of biodiversity, economy and well-being for humans.

Testo 1: Biologia delle piante di Raven (2013) – Evert R.F., Eichhorn S.E. – Zanichelli Editore, Bologna. Pagine: 944. ISBN: 978-88-081-7504-5

The exam consists of a written test, which is considered passed only if the student achieves a minimum mark of 18/30.

In case of passing the written test, the student has the right to choose whether to accept the mark obtained, or whether to take the oral test in order to improve the outcome of the written test.

The written test consists of various multiple-choice questions.

The examination method may change if the conditions require it.