Courses list

Wersja polska

Course code: RRSS-10159o16
Semester: 2016/2017 summer
Name: Biochemistry and plant physiology
Major: Agriculture
Study Type: one cycle
Course type: compulsory
Study Semester: 4
ECTS points: 0
Hours (Lectures / Tutorials / Other): 15 / 30 / 0
Lecturer: dr ing. Krzysztof Bielecki
Language of instruction: Polish / English


Learning outcomes: Learning outcomes and competence: Students acquire theoretical knowledge and practical skills to determine the significance of macromolecules (including properties in relation to their structure) in nature. Describe and interpret phenomena and processes in animate nature. Application of the basic techniques of biochemistry and plant physiology. Knowledge: Theoretical knowledge cover the main aspects of biochemistry and plant physiology: structure and function of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids; Energetic of metabolic reactions. Structure, function, kinetics, mechanism of action of enzymes and cofactors, regulation of enzymatic reactions. Structure and function of the plasma membrane. Metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids (photosynthesis, respiration, nitrogen fixation). DNA replication and repair, transcription, translation, regulation of gene expression. Main physiological processes: water relations, mineral nutrition, growth and development. Skills: Combining and organizing knowledge in the field of chemistry, biochemistry and plant physiology. Basic techniques used in the laboratory. Brief and clear description obtained results, drawing conclusions and apply the rules of practice writing report.

Competences: Effective collaboration in a team. Organizing own work. Solving problems in creative ways.

Prerequisites: Chemistry course.

Course content: : Structure and function of nucleic acids. DNA replication and repair. Transcription. Regulation of gene expression. The genetic code. Translation. Mechanisms of regulation of protein synthesis. Amino acids – structure, biosynthesis, metabolism. Structure and function of proteins. Coenzymes. Energy metabolic reactions. The structure of enzymes. Kinetics and mechanism of enzyme action. Control of enzymatic reactions. The structure, function of lipids and fatty acids. Glyoxylate cycle. Structure and function of carbohydrates. Photosynthesis - chloroplast pigments, light reactions and photosynthetic phosphorylation, reduction of CO2, C2 cycle, factors influencing photosynthesis, transport and distribution of assimilates. Carbohydrate metabolism - glycolysis. Citric acid cycle. Structure and function of mitochondrial respiratory chain. Structure and function of mitochondrial respiratory chain cont. The mechanism of oxidative phosphorylation. Pentose phosphate cycle. Alternative respiration. Factors influencing respiration. Structure of the plasma membrane. Types of transport molecules and ions across the membrane. Water relations in plant cells and whole plants. Mineral nutrition - elements essential to plants. Physiological role of macro-and microelements in the life of plants, uptake and transport of mineral salts, the influence of mineral nutrition on yield, nitrogen assimilation. Plant growth and development - mechanisms of plant growth and development, seed germination, vegetative and generative growth, development, dormancy, aging and plant movements. Hormonal regulation of growth and development - auxin, gibberellins, cytokinins, ethylene, abscisic acid. Reception and transmission of signals in cells.

Recommended literature: Hames B.D., Hooper N.M., Houghton J.D., 2005. Biochemistry. Instant notes, Taylor&Francis Hopkins W.G., 1995, Introduction to plant physiology, Wiley&Sons http://bcs.whfreeman.com/thelifewire/default.asp http://www.biostudio.com/a_sitemap.htm http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072507470/student_view0/chapter3/ http://www.wiley.com/legacy/college/boyer/0470003790/animations/animations.htm http://www.wiley.com/college/pratt/0471393878/student/exercises/index.html http://www.learnerstv.com/animation/animationcategory.php?cat=Biology&page=1

Assessment methods: Laboratory class – reports (mandatory), exam (oral).

Comment: The students work on laboratory assignments that are connected to theoretical knowledge with practice. Laboratory classes are divided on several modules. Participation in the laboratory assignments is obligatory. For each laboratory module students write laboratory reports. All the modules must be approved in order to pass the course.