BIOL3003 Plant Cell Biology
Module Overview
This module explores, in depth, selected topics in plant cell biology that are basic to our understanding of the way in which plant cells develop, function and interact with each other and with their surroundings. Areas covered include: vacuole and chloroplast function and assembly; membrane transport; signalling; stress responses covering salt stress, mechanisms of ozone damage and repair, heavy metal stress and homeostasis, and consequences of elevated ozone levels. The module will include discussion sessions and poster presentations.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- have knowledge of the properties, components and functions of the plasma membrane and endomembrane systems of plant cells
- have a basic knowledge of how plants respond to salt stress
- understand the cellular processes that may be sensitive to changes in the gaseous environment, particularly ozone
- be able to find and critically assess published information on a given topic
- have had practice in verbal and written presentation of scientific information.
- be familiar with the main techniques used to isolate and purify cell components and to investigate the properties of certain plant cell organelles, plant cell membranes and their components
- be familiar with the properties, functions and location in cells of a range of membrane transport systems including, where appropriate, the mechanisms which generate the driving forces for solute transport
- understand the properties and function of the plant cell vacuole
- be conversant with semi-autonomy of chloroplasts and understand chloroplast assembly, including coordination between chloroplast and cytoplasmic protein synthesis
- understand the mechanisms involved in the targeting and transport of proteins across organelle membranes
- understand the basic principles of signal transduction processes in plants including the nature and roles of signal receptors
- be familiar with the mechanisms involved in signal perception, and in signal generation and transmission
- have a basic knowledge of how plants respond to heavy metal stress, including mechanisms of heavy metal homeostasis
Syllabus
This module explores, in depth, selected topics in plant cell biology that are basic to our understanding of the way in which plant cells develop, function and interact with each other and with their surroundings. Areas covered include: vacuole and chloroplast function and assembly; membrane transport; signalling; stress responses covering salt stress, mechanisms of ozone damage and repair, heavy metal stress and homeostasis, and consequences of elevated ozone levels. The module will include discussion sessions and poster presentations.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures and independent study. The module will include discussion sessions for poster presentations.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Supervised time in studio/workshop | 4 |
Lecture | 22 |
Independent Study | 116 |
Practical classes and workshops | 8 |
Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Summative
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Coursework | 25% |
Written exam (2 hours) | 75% |
Referral
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Coursework | 25% |
Written exam (2 hours) | 75% |
Linked modules
Pre-requisite: BIOL2007