Plant Development

This course is a specialization module in Functional Plant Biology that explores the mechanisms underlying the major stages of plant development.

It draws on knowledge derived primarily from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and addresses the following concepts from molecular, cellular, and physiological perspectives:

• Roles and Functions of the Major Phytohormones.
• Development of male and female gametes; fertilization.
• Development of the embryo, seed, and fruit.
• Function of root and stem meristems (vegetative and floral).
• The Architecture of the Flower.
• Mechanisms of adaptive development in response to abiotic factors: light, gravity, and cold.

Certain aspects of development will also be analyzed from an evolutionary perspective by studying the role of developmental genes in the diversification and evolution of developmental processes in land plants (evolution of the root system, floral architecture, etc.).

• Knowledge:
• Understand research strategies for studying plant development: techniques for studying gene expression (the concept of reporter genes) and gene function (mutant studies, transgenesis).
• To acquire a solid understanding of the key physiological, biochemical, and molecular foundations of plant development.

Understand the role and modes of action of phytohormones.

• Expertise:
• Know how to phenotype and genotype mutants.
• Analyze molecular mechanisms related to development.
• Mastering the scientific method: hypothesis, experiments (replicates), observation, description, interpretation, synthesis, conclusion (deduction, proposal of a general model).
• Know how to search for scientific information, synthesize it from multiple sources, and prioritize it based on its credibility.
• Learn the basics of scientific writing.

• Interpersonal Skills:
• Diligence, curiosity.

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

L2 UE Fundamentals of Plant Physiology

Recommended Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Molecular, Cellular, and Genetic Biology