10.0 Dr K R Gayler and Dr B R Grant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 521-201 or Biological Chemistry 521-024 First semester 26 lectures (two a week) By the end of the program the student should have acquired:

• A detailed understanding of the molecular processes underlying the regulation of basic plant functions
• A detailed knowledge of photosynthesis, carbon partition and associated adaptive responses
• An understanding of the molecular basis of plant growth regulation
• An understanding of the mode of action of plant hormones and related herbicides
• An understanding of the molecular basis of plant responses to stress
• An overall appreciation of the way in which knowledge of regulatory mechanisms at the molecular level can be utilised in the improvement of crop production.

Introduction to the major plant-specific biochemical processes. Biochemistry, regulation and molecular structure of photosynthetic organelles and mechanisms and regulation of photosynthesis. Molecular structure of specialised plant membranes; structure and function of membrane-associated control and transport systems; signal transduction mechanisms including protein phosphorylation pathways; phytochromes and the blue light receptors. Mechanisms of action of hormones and related herbicides in plants. Mechanisms of plant stress response including interaction with plant pathogens. A 2-hour end-of-semester written examination. Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology eds. P. J. Lea and R. C. Leegood 1993, John Wiley and Sons Ltd 8 Dr K R Gayler and Dr B R Grant 521-024 Biological Chemistry First semester 26 hours of lectures.