BOTANY & PLANT SCIENCE
Code
Module Title
BPS307
Plant Physiology and Systems Biology
Semester
ECTS
2
5
Examination Arrangements
Two hour examination
This module examines plant growth, development and interactions with the biotic and abiotic
environment in a holistic manner taking into account regulation at the levels of gene expression,
enzyme activities, and the role of specific metabolites. The course is taught through lectures and
practicals enabling students to appreciate how plants can adapt in various environments.
Plants undergo many processes, such as the transition from vegetative growth to flowering, expansive
cell growth, organ development, and fruit ripening, and have adapted to many different
environmental challenges.
This module will examine the underlying processes that control these interactions in an integrated way
taking into account modifications at the different system levels of gene expression, protein synthesis
and activity of enzymes.
Students will be introduced into the key role of hormones and secondary metabolites in sensing
changes in the environment and then transmitting information to various parts of the plants.
The distribution and importance of specific secondary metabolites will be discussed with respect to
their influence on plant survival against abiotic (temperature, light) and biotic (competitiors, herbivores
and pathogens) as well as their uses by humans where relevant.
The role of the circadian clock in the regulation of these various processes will also be discussed.