Module GE4031: Plant Molecular Genetics & GE4057: Plant Developmental Genetics
| Co-ordinator: | Professor Frank Wellmer |
|---|---|
| Course Type: | Optional |
| Assessment: | 100% Examination |
| ECTS: | 2.5 credits |
| Prerequisites: | None |
| Duration | 10 lectures (2 lectures per week); 1st semester |
Description:
This class provides an introduction to plant developmental biology focussing on Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system. Areas of research discussed are: (i) plant embryogenesis (ii) axis specification; (iii) cell-type specification; (iv) role of auxin in plant development; (v) phyllotaxis and determination of leaf shape; (vi) induction of flowering; and (vii) flower formation.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
- Appreciate the importance of focusing on a model organism to explore fundamental questions in biology
- Appreciate the importance of genetic and molecular approaches in the exploration of complex questions in plant biology
- Understand the molecular mechanisms underlying light and hormone perception and signalling
- Understand the molecular mechanisms underlying gene silencing in plants
| Lecturer(s) | Professor Tony Kavanagh |
|---|---|
| Module Type | Optional |
| Assessment: | 100% Examination |
| Credits: | 2.5 |
| Duration: | 10 lectures (2 lectures per week); 2nd semester |
Description:
The almost universal adoption of Arabidopsis thaliana as a model organism for plant molecular genetic analyses in the early 1990s has transformed our understanding of plant form and function. This class provides an introduction to (i) light perception and signal transduction; (ii) plant hormone signalling; and (iii) mechanisms of gene silencing in plants.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
- Appreciate the importance of focusing on a model organism to explore fundamental questions in biology
- Appreciate the importance of genetic and molecular approaches in the exploration of complex questions in plant developmental biology
- Understand the molecular mechanisms underlying plant embryogenesis and post-embryonic development
- Understand the molecular mechanisms underlying auxin signal transduction
- Understand the molecular processes leading to flower formation