Atomic properties and chemistry of C, Basic knowledge on the chemical structure and main properties of carbon compounds, basic knowledge of the main biological molecules, on the main metabolic pathways, on the biosynthesis of the secondary metabolites, on the root elemental assimilation, on the mechanisms of the seed germination and interactions between plant and environment.
Gorzynski Smith ‘Fondamenti di Chimica Organica’, Ed. Mc Graw Hill
Solomons G.W. ‘Fondamenti di Chimica Organica’, Ed. Zanichelli
M. Bosetto I. Lozzi ‘Elementi di Biochimica agraria’, Ed. Aracne
Brown WH, Poon, T 'Introduzione alla Chimica Organica', Editore EDISES
Gorzynski Smith ‘Fondamenti di Chimica Organica’, Ed. Mc Graw Hill
Solomons G.W. ‘Fondamenti di Chimica Organica’, Ed. Zanichelli
M. Bosetto I. Lozzi ‘Elementi di Biochimica agraria’, Ed. Aracne
Brown WH, Poon, T 'Introduzione alla Chimica Organica', Editore EDISES
Fondamenti di biochimica agraria. A cura di Pinton, Cocucci, Nannipieri, Trevisan Patron Editore Bologna
Learning Objectives
Understanding of the structure of the organic compounds and biomolecules, and deduct information of their reactivity and functions. Principles of biochemistry and enzymology, and of the processes responsible for the plant element assimilation and plant-environment interactions.
Ability to apply the knowledge of organic chemistry and biochemistry to improve the plant management and growth through the knowledge of the plant biochemistry and nutrient assimilation
Prerequisites
No compulsory preliminary subjects. Pass of General and inorganc chemistry and Plant biology (botany) exams is strongly recommended
Teaching Methods
Class lectures, laboratory for 30% of the formation credits and seminars on specific topics.
Further information
Class attendance: not compulsory, but strongly recommended. Seminars will be organized depending on the regular course of the front class lectures.
Type of Assessment
Oral exam at the end of the course
Course program
Plant biochemistry
Biological molecules; their structure and functions; enzymes and basic concepts in enzymology; photosynthesis: conversion of light into chemical energy, CO2 fixation, C3, C4 e CAM photosynthesis, photorespiration, mechanisms of uncoupling phytochemicals, sinthesis of sucrose and starch; respiration: glycolysis, lipid oxidation pathways, and protein demolition, Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorilation; anabolism: gluconeogenesis, fatty acid and lipid biosynthesis, aminoacid and protein biosynthesis; secondary metabolism: biosynthesis of aromatic aminoacids and scichimic acid pathway, synthesis of phytohormones, lignins, pectines, suberines, alkaloids, isoprenoids, flavonoids, synthesis of the chlorophylles, purin and pirimidines;
Root assimilation: definition and properties of the rhizosphere and elemental availability;
Definition and mechanisms of the transporters; root assimilation of nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur and iron.
Seed germination and plant-environment interaction: biochemical mechanisms of the germination: mode of use of the storage compounds of the seed; glyoxilate cycle; plant biochemical responses to thermal and water stress.
Laboratory: determination of the activity of plant enzymes: properties and kinetic parameters, enzyme inhibition by heavy metals.