KPA214 Plants in Action

Dr RJE Wiltshire (Coordinator), Dr MJ Hovenden

Plants in Action is a core unit for BSc students interested in specialising in plant science. The unit explores the interaction of plants with the environment at the organism, organ, tissue and cellular levels. We examine the processes of photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, mineral uptake and translocation, and adaptations that enable plants to occupy diverse environments. We also examine the processes controlling plant development (germination, reproductive phase change, dormancy and senescene). The practical component is a combination of experimental work and observation of plant structure, including an excursion to examine plant adaptations in different vegetation types.

Theoretical topics include:

Plant Physiology from molecular to environmental

• Nutrients – essential elements and toxicity
• Biological nitrogen fixation
• Plant water relations
• Plant water relations.
• Membranes and molecules
• Photosynthesis - the basic process underpinning plant existence. CO2 assimilation, RUBISCO and the Calvin cycle
• Photosynthesis - Chloroplast structure, pigments and light harvesting and distribution, PSII and PSI distribution
• Respiration and the Krebs cycle
• Plant Development and the environment
• Seed dormancy & germination
• Seedling growth
• Temperature & flowering
• Photoreceptors & light cues
• Phytochrome & plant responses
• Dormancy & Senescence

• Microscopy skills, specimen preparation, observational skills, drawing skills
• Interpretation of data, statistical analysis, scientific communication skills
• Field identification skills

For further details: contact Dr Rob Wiltshire.