Plant Cell Biology

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• understand the mechanisms involved in the targeting and transport of proteins across organelle membranes
• understand the properties and function of the plant cell vacuole
• be familiar with the properties, functions and location in cells of a range of membrane transport systems including, where appropriate, the mechanisms which generate the driving forces for solute transport
• have had practice in verbal and written presentation of scientific information.
• have a basic knowledge of how plants respond to heavy metal stress, including mechanisms of heavy metal homeostasis
• understand the basic principles of signal transduction processes in plants including the nature and roles of signal receptors
• have a basic knowledge of how plants respond to salt stress
• be conversant with semi-autonomy of chloroplasts and understand chloroplast assembly, including coordination between chloroplast and cytoplasmic protein synthesis
• be familiar with the main techniques used to isolate and purify cell components and to investigate the properties of certain plant cell organelles, plant cell membranes and their components
• have knowledge of the properties, components and functions of the plasma membrane and endomembrane systems of plant cells
• understand the cellular processes that may be sensitive to changes in the gaseous environment, particularly ozone
• be able to find and critically assess published information on a given topic
• be familiar with the mechanisms involved in signal perception, and in signal generation and transmission

This module explores, in depth, selected topics in plant cell biology that are basic to our understanding of the way in which plant cells develop, function and interact with each other and with their surroundings. Areas covered include: vacuole and chloroplast function and assembly; membrane transport; signalling; stress responses covering salt stress, mechanisms of ozone damage and repair, heavy metal stress and homeostasis, and consequences of elevated ozone levels. The module will include discussion sessions and poster presentations.

Lectures and independent study. The module will include discussion sessions for poster presentations.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.