794-208 Plant Science IV

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Plant Science I.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The objective of this subject is to extend participant's ability to:

• describe the major groups of biological molecules and their main functions;

• demonstrate an understanding of enzyme catalysis;

• describe the nature of cellular membranes and their role in metabolism;

• explain the movement of water through the plant using the concept of water potential;

• describe the physiology of photosynthesis;

• describe the physiology of respiration;

• describe means by which photosynthesis and respiration are manipulated to improve yields;

• manipulate plant growth and development by using hormones and plant growth regulators;

• regulate flowering and plant storage through the use of controlled environments;

• describe the role of phytochrome in the control of plant processes; and

• describe the processes of senescence.

The content includes the basic biochemical materials, lipids, proteins and carbohydrates, photosynthesis, respiration, growth, hormones-auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, ethylene, ABA and others, horticultural physiology, phytochrome flowering and dormancy, circadian rhythm and the biological clock, water potential, plant transport, physiology of native plants, stress physiology, enzymes and senescence.

Assessment

Two examinations of 100 minutes (70%); assignment (15%); practical test (15%).