This course will introduce several topics in plant molecular biology. It will show how molecular genetic approaches are being used, particularly in Arabidopsis, to identify important plant genes and to determine their functions in plant development and responses to environmental stimuli. 

There are normally 3 hours of contact on Fridays, as arranged. 

None

The course will be assessed by a 2-hour examination (70%) and in-course assessment consisting of a written assignment (30%) where students answer questions on a paper provided in advance. 

The overall aims of the course are to show how molecular genetic approaches are being used, particularly in Arabidopsis, to identify important plant genes and to determine their functions in plant development and responses to environmental stimuli. 

By the end of this course, students will be able to: 

■ Discuss how knowledge of gene function and gene regulation is key to understanding how plants grow and develop; 

■ Discuss what experimental approaches can be used to study gene function and gene regulation in plants; 

■ Discuss how genes control development in relation to the environment; 

■ Interpret how plants perceive stimuli that regulate gene expression and development; 

■ Interpret data encountered in plant molecular biology;

■ Discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of gene expression.