Innovative Methods in Plant Biology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The teaching aims to offer an overview of the main technologies used in Plant Biology, ranging through genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and metabolism studies. The course also aims to provide the theoretical basis for planning experiments with plants correctly.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the teaching, the student will have acquired theoretical skills on the methods described, will be able to apply them in the context of a specific biological question, will be able to plan experiments in the lab and interpret the data, also based on appropriate statistical methods.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Based on the evolution of the public health situation.
Course syllabus
Part I
-Principles for correctly designing an experiment. Practical introduction to scientific discussion;
-Model plants, and different plant system and tissue-specific oriented studies. Discussion on cases.
-Evolution of Plant diversity and adaptation: From Evolutionary Botany to Mutagenesis, Transformation and Genome Editing in Plants, with practical examples of data analysis and interpretation.
-Gene Expression Analysis applied to study processes of differentiation and tissues in plants.
-Seminar on "Transcriptional and Post-Transcriptional Regulation."
-Analysis of protein-DNA and protein-protein interactions.
-Optical microscopy-Fluorescence-Confocal-Electron microscopy (SEM and TEM).
-Visit "No Limits" advanced microscopy platform.
Part II
-Plant histology by cell compartments in plants and different types of staining.
-Plant tissues preparation: fixation, inclusions, sections.
-DNA, RNA and protein electrophoresis. Principles and applications.
-Enzymology and biochemistry for plant tissues.
-Analytical techniques applied to studies of plant composition & metabolites in plants systems.
-Principles of biomechanics applied to plants; Principles and methodologies.
-Principles and utility of new "omics" technologies.
-Seminar with company in the field of "Green Biotech Industry"
-Communication and dissemination of research. Impact factors. Scientific databases.
Part III: Practical Laboratory Lessons
- Genetic and phenotypic characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana mutants.
- Microscopy and tissue dissection for anatomomorphological analysis: live imaging with practical examples.
- PCR, electrophoresis, and discussion of results.
- Analysis of reporter genes in luminescence/fluorescence.
- Visits to laboratories, botanical gardens, cultivation fields, greenhouses, phytotrons, in vitro cultures, and growth chambers.
-Principles for correctly designing an experiment. Practical introduction to scientific discussion;
-Model plants, and different plant system and tissue-specific oriented studies. Discussion on cases.
-Evolution of Plant diversity and adaptation: From Evolutionary Botany to Mutagenesis, Transformation and Genome Editing in Plants, with practical examples of data analysis and interpretation.
-Gene Expression Analysis applied to study processes of differentiation and tissues in plants.
-Seminar on "Transcriptional and Post-Transcriptional Regulation."
-Analysis of protein-DNA and protein-protein interactions.
-Optical microscopy-Fluorescence-Confocal-Electron microscopy (SEM and TEM).
-Visit "No Limits" advanced microscopy platform.
Part II
-Plant histology by cell compartments in plants and different types of staining.
-Plant tissues preparation: fixation, inclusions, sections.
-DNA, RNA and protein electrophoresis. Principles and applications.
-Enzymology and biochemistry for plant tissues.
-Analytical techniques applied to studies of plant composition & metabolites in plants systems.
-Principles of biomechanics applied to plants; Principles and methodologies.
-Principles and utility of new "omics" technologies.
-Seminar with company in the field of "Green Biotech Industry"
-Communication and dissemination of research. Impact factors. Scientific databases.
Part III: Practical Laboratory Lessons
- Genetic and phenotypic characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana mutants.
- Microscopy and tissue dissection for anatomomorphological analysis: live imaging with practical examples.
- PCR, electrophoresis, and discussion of results.
- Analysis of reporter genes in luminescence/fluorescence.
- Visits to laboratories, botanical gardens, cultivation fields, greenhouses, phytotrons, in vitro cultures, and growth chambers.
Prerequisites for admission
The course includes teoric and practical discussion of a wide range of techniques used in plant biology laboratories. Since we focus in different plant systems, tissues and differerentiation processes the student must have solid basis in plant botany as well as basis in molecular and cell biology of plants.
Teaching methods
Teaching is based on lessons supported by PowerPoint slides and videos.
At the end of the course, alongside theoretical lectures, there will be a series of practical laboratory lessons. These sessions aim to teach essential basic techniques, instruments, and protocols for plant science research, building on the theoretical knowledge provided earlier. These practical lessons will equip students with the fundamental skills required for contemporary plant biology research.
During the course some topics will be explored through seminars presented by colleagues and international expert researchers who are experts in the field which will provide students lectures in emerging techniques and new prospectives of career to students.
ARIEL: https://iezquermbva.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/Home/
TEAMS: ASK FOR ACCESS TO CHANNEL
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/team/19%3a6b0314780181423a94b1ede5fcc6d5c1%40thread.tacv2/conversations?groupId=9dd9a6eb-4f50-4381-848a-c9b3aa19ca68&tenantId=13b55eef-7018-4674-a3d7-cc0db06d545c
At the end of the course, alongside theoretical lectures, there will be a series of practical laboratory lessons. These sessions aim to teach essential basic techniques, instruments, and protocols for plant science research, building on the theoretical knowledge provided earlier. These practical lessons will equip students with the fundamental skills required for contemporary plant biology research.
During the course some topics will be explored through seminars presented by colleagues and international expert researchers who are experts in the field which will provide students lectures in emerging techniques and new prospectives of career to students.
ARIEL: https://iezquermbva.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/v5/Home/
TEAMS: ASK FOR ACCESS TO CHANNEL
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/team/19%3a6b0314780181423a94b1ede5fcc6d5c1%40thread.tacv2/conversations?groupId=9dd9a6eb-4f50-4381-848a-c9b3aa19ca68&tenantId=13b55eef-7018-4674-a3d7-cc0db06d545c
Teaching Resources
The slides and videos shown during the course and scientific articles and reviews (in English) will be distributed by the teachers. The slides of the course are not sufficient material for the preparation of the exam; therefore, it is strongly recommended to support that material with notes taken during the lessons (it is also recommended to attend the classes).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a written test with open questions. The questions will focus on the topics described during the course and intend to evaluate both the knowledge of analytical-instrumental techniques and the student's ability to reason on the theoretical-scientific basis of the topics covered. The questions can also include a data interpretation exercise according to the methods presented during the lessons.
BIO/01 - GENERAL BOTANY - University credits: 6
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Ezquer Garin Juan Ignacio, Miranda Mendes Marta Adelina
Professor(s)
Reception:
previo appuntamento richiesto per e-mail