Plant Biology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course will provide the knowledge on the structure, function, reproductive biology and diversity of plants. The purpose is to acquire the basic knowledge useful for the identification and characterization of archeological finds and masterpieces and for the biodegradation processes relevant for the study and conservation of the cultural heritage.
Expected learning outcomes
Basic knowledge of the structure and diversity of plants.
Lesson period: Second 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
Second semester
Course syllabus
Differences between animal, prokaryotic and plant cells. Structure of cell membranes and description of the endomembrane system (endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, plasma membrane, vesicular trafficking) with special reference to differences in the functioning and organization of these organelles in animal and plant cells. Structure and functions of the vacuole as a multifunctional compartment in the plant cell and as a generator of the turgor pressure necessary for plant cell function and important in growth and differentiation processes. Detailed description of function and structure of the cell wall and cell wall modification during cell differentiation. Description of the major and secondary components of the wall and its organization into median lamella, primary and secondary wall; description of its synthesis and deposition. Functions and ultrastructure of the different plastids (proplastids, chromoplasts, leucoplasts and chloroplasts) and hints at the process of photosynthesis (light and dark phase, C4 and CAM photosynthesis).
Organization of vascular plants. Primary and secondary meristematic, integumental, parenchymal and supporting tissues. Conducting tissues (xylem and phloem); their organization in the different types of bundles, arrangement of bundles to determine different types of stele: protostele, actinostele siphonostele, siphono-eustele, eustele, atactostele and their distribution in the organs of mono- and dicotyledonous angiosperms. Anatomy of stems (primary and secondary structure), roots (primary structure) and leaves in mono- and dicotyledonous angiosperms.
Application in the identification and study of archaeobotanical and/or ethnobotanical specimens, particularly wood.
Plant reproduction and ontogenetic cycles with special reference to the evolution of the haplodiplon cycle from Bryophytes to Spermatophytes, to the evolution of spores/pollen and to the appearance of fruits with application of the study of these structures in the context of cultural heritage. Morphological, functional and reproductive characteristics of fungi, algae, lichens; applications in biodeterioration of cultural heritage.
Organization of vascular plants. Primary and secondary meristematic, integumental, parenchymal and supporting tissues. Conducting tissues (xylem and phloem); their organization in the different types of bundles, arrangement of bundles to determine different types of stele: protostele, actinostele siphonostele, siphono-eustele, eustele, atactostele and their distribution in the organs of mono- and dicotyledonous angiosperms. Anatomy of stems (primary and secondary structure), roots (primary structure) and leaves in mono- and dicotyledonous angiosperms.
Application in the identification and study of archaeobotanical and/or ethnobotanical specimens, particularly wood.
Plant reproduction and ontogenetic cycles with special reference to the evolution of the haplodiplon cycle from Bryophytes to Spermatophytes, to the evolution of spores/pollen and to the appearance of fruits with application of the study of these structures in the context of cultural heritage. Morphological, functional and reproductive characteristics of fungi, algae, lichens; applications in biodeterioration of cultural heritage.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge about biological molecules and cellular structures. Elementary background about plant organization and reproduction.
Teaching methods
Lessons will be performed in the classroom. Plant organ descriptions will be made during lessons. There will be the possibility of a direct observation of the glasses with the help of a suitably prepared atlas. For this reason, a permanent station is available for slides observation described in the lecture (please send an e-mail to teacher). Students are encouraged to ask questions during lectures and are encouraged to reason and make connections between different topics. Examples of research in the field of cultural heritage study will be presented during the course, pointing out the importance of what has been learned about form, function and diversity of plants in that field. Course slides will be made available on MyAriel.
Teaching Resources
Choice of the following texts::
P.H. Raven, R.F.Evert, S.E. Eichhorn BIOLOGIA DELLE PIANTE Ed. Zanichelli
J.D. Mauseth BOTANICA Ed. Idelson Gnocchi
Venturelli, Virli INVITO ALLA BOTANICA Zanichelli
Pasqua, G. Abbate, C. Forni. Botanica generale e diversità vegetale. Ed. Piccin
For further study:
G. Caneva LA BIOLOGIA VEGETALE PER I BENI CULTURALI. Vol I eII: Ed. Nardini Editore
A. Speranza, GL Calzoni STRUTTURA DELLE PIANTE IN IMMAGINI Ed. Zanichelli
F. M. GEROLA - Biologia vegetale. Sistematica filogenetica- UTET ED
Slides will be available (MyAriel).
P.H. Raven, R.F.Evert, S.E. Eichhorn BIOLOGIA DELLE PIANTE Ed. Zanichelli
J.D. Mauseth BOTANICA Ed. Idelson Gnocchi
Venturelli, Virli INVITO ALLA BOTANICA Zanichelli
Pasqua, G. Abbate, C. Forni. Botanica generale e diversità vegetale. Ed. Piccin
For further study:
G. Caneva LA BIOLOGIA VEGETALE PER I BENI CULTURALI. Vol I eII: Ed. Nardini Editore
A. Speranza, GL Calzoni STRUTTURA DELLE PIANTE IN IMMAGINI Ed. Zanichelli
F. M. GEROLA - Biologia vegetale. Sistematica filogenetica- UTET ED
Slides will be available (MyAriel).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The oral discussion includes plant organ identification comprising description of tissues and their cytological characters; description of land plant cycles and their reproductive strategies. General characters of structure and reproduction of Algae, Fungi and Lichens. Hints of the application in the field of cultural heritage of the knowledge about the plant world acquired in the course will be favorably considered. The student must demonstrate an understanding of the topics covered in the course by expounding them with appropriateness of language and correct terminology, linking together the various topics considered. The grade will be given as 18-30/30.
To acquire the required knowledge, student can choose among different proposed books; slides will be available in Ariel and a permanent position for slide observation will be accessible.
To acquire the required knowledge, student can choose among different proposed books; slides will be available in Ariel and a permanent position for slide observation will be accessible.
Professor(s)
Reception:
Any day by appointment
Department of Biosciences, 2nd floor C