521-306 Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology

Note

This subject is taught jointly with Botany

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Biological Chemistry 521-024 or Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 521-211 and 521-212, together with either Botany 606-205 and 606-206, or Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 521-221.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

By the end of the subject the student should have acquired: a detailed understanding of the cellular and molecular processes underlying the regulation of basic plant functions including modes of action of plant hormones, a detailed knowledge of photosynthetic light reactions and carbon and nitrogen metabolism associated with plant growth and development, a detailed knowledge of the structure and function of plant lipids and of cell wall carbohydrates, an insight into cell-cell recognition and signalling during plant development and the response to pathogens and symbionts, an understanding of the organisation of the genome in plants and its modification by biotechnology, and an overall appreciation of the application of biotechnology to agriculture, horticulture, forestry and the food industry. The content will emphasise those aspects of biochemistry, molecular biology and cellular biology which contribute unique properties to plants and discuss current technologies for their investigation and manipulation including genetic engineering and plant transformation.

Assessment

A 3-hour end-of-semester written examination (70%); one written assignment of no more than 2,000 words (10%); continuous assessment of practical work (20%).

Prescribed Texts

• Buchanan, B B, Gruissem, W and Jones R., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Plants. 1998,.