Plant Function

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This module will explore the physiology and biochemistry of plants and algae. It will investigate: (1) plant and algal biochemistry and metabolism specifically focusing on carbon-fixation as well as the synthesis of primary and secondary metabolites, allelopathy and plant defence, and (2) plant and algal growth and development in which the role of hormones in fundamental processes including flowering, germination, expansive cell growth and the responses of plants to light and gravity will be explored. It will also investigate the role of aspects of plant function in conservation and its biotechnological applications. Learning Outcomes 1. Appreciate how plant and algal function is modified in response to the environment 2. Understand the role of secondary metabolites in plants and evaluate how they are used by humans 3. Describe the role of the five classical plant hormones (auxins, cytokinins, ethylene, abscisic acid, and gibberellins) in plant growth and development 4. Discuss how plant metabolic processes may be harnessed for conservation and biotechnology 5. Describe carbon acquisition by plants and algae