Basics of Plant Ecophysiology
2600-OG-EN-BPE
The course, Basics of Plant Ecophysiology, explores the interaction between plants and their environment by examining the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying plant adaptation and survival. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on laboratory experiments, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how plants respond to environmental factors such as light, temperature, water availability, and nutrient levels.
Lecture Component (10 Hours)
The lecture series introduces the foundational principles of plant ecophysiology and progresses to advanced concepts related to stress physiology and adaptation strategies. Topics covered include:
1-Introduction to Plant Ecophysiology
Definition, importance, and scope of plant ecophysiology.
The role of plants in maintaining ecosystem balance.
2-Photosynthesis and Energy Balance
Mechanisms of light absorption, electron transport, and carbon fixation.
Variations in photosynthetic pathways (C3, C4, CAM) and their ecological significance.
3-Plant Water Relations
Water uptake, transport, and regulation of transpiration.
Stomatal physiology and plant strategies for drought tolerance.
4-Plant Responses to Abiotic Stress
Physiological and biochemical adaptations to light, temperature, drought, and salinity stress.
The role of signaling molecules and stress-responsive genes.
5-Ecophysiology Applications
Impacts of global climate change on plant physiology.
Practical applications in agriculture, forestry, and sustainable landscape management.
Laboratory Component (30 Hours)
The laboratory sessions provide practical experience in measuring and analyzing key physiological and biochemical processes in plants. Activities include:
1-Basic Instrumentation and Techniques
Training on using spectrophotometers, gas exchange systems, and chlorophyll meters.
Setting up experiments to assess plant physiological parameters.
2-Chlorophyll and Photosynthesis Measurements
Quantification of chlorophyll a and b using spectrophotometric methods.
Measuring photosynthetic rates and transpiration using portable gas exchange systems.
3-Stress Physiology Experiments
Investigating plant responses to abiotic stress factors (e.g., drought, salinity, temperature).
Assessing changes in proline, carbohydrate content, and antioxidant enzyme activities.
4-Enzymatic Activity Assays
Measuring the activity of stress-related enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX).
Analyzing the role of enzymatic antioxidants in mitigating oxidative stress.
5-Data Analysis and Interpretation
Introduction to statistical methods for interpreting experimental results.
Writing comprehensive laboratory reports and presenting findings.
6-Case Study and Discussion
Application of learned concepts to real-world challenges in plant physiology, such as improving crop tolerance to climate stressors.
Całkowity nakład pracy studenta
Contact hours:
Lecture: 10 hours
Laboratory: 30 hours
Consultations: 5 hours
Self-study:
Preparing for lectures and labs: 10 hours
Reviewing materials and preparing reports: 20 hours
Total: ~75 hours (equivalent to 3 ECTS)
Efekty uczenia się - wiedza
W1: Understand the basic principles of plant ecophysiology, focusing on plant-environment interactions and physiological adaptations.
W2: Describe the mechanisms of photosynthesis, including light absorption, electron transport, and carbon fixation pathways (C3, C4, and CAM).
W3: Explain plant water relations, including water uptake, transport, transpiration, and strategies for drought tolerance.
W4: Understand the processes of nutrient acquisition, transport, and assimilation in plants, and their ecological significance.
W5: Identify the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of plant responses to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, temperature extremes, and light intensity.
W6: Recognize the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant systems, including key enzymes like catalase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase, in plant stress responses.
W7: Analyze the impacts of environmental factors on plant physiological processes, including photosynthesis, respiration, and growth.
W8: Explain the role of chlorophyll fluorescence and gas exchange measurements as tools for assessing plant physiological performance under varying conditions.
W9: Discuss how global climate change influences plant ecophysiology and its implications for agriculture and ecosystem dynamics.
W10: Demonstrate knowledge of experimental methods and tools used in plant ecophysiology research, including spectrophotometry, gas exchange analysis, and biochemical assays.
Efekty uczenia się - umiejętności
U1: Perform laboratory experiments to measure photosynthesis, transpiration, and other key physiological processes in plants.
U2: Conduct enzyme activity assays, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), to evaluate plant stress responses.
U3: Use instruments such as spectrophotometers, chlorophyll meters, and gas exchange systems to collect and analyze physiological data.
U4: Apply appropriate statistical methods to analyze experimental data and interpret results effectively.
U5: Prepare and write detailed laboratory reports, including data visualization and interpretation.
U6: Design experiments to investigate plant physiological responses to abiotic stress factors such as drought, salinity, and temperature.
U7: Evaluate plant performance under varying environmental conditions using advanced ecophysiological techniques, such as chlorophyll fluorescence analysis.
U8: Synthesize information from experimental results to draw conclusions about plant-environment interactions and adaptation strategies.
U9: Critically assess research findings in the field of plant ecophysiology and propose practical applications for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management.
U10: Work collaboratively in a laboratory setting, demonstrating effective teamwork and problem-solving skills during experiments and data analysis.
Efekty uczenia się - kompetencje społeczne
K1: Demonstrate responsibility and attention to detail when conducting laboratory experiments and handling scientific instruments.
K2: Show a proactive approach to solving problems related to plant stress physiology and ecosystem management.
K3: Exhibit teamwork and collaboration skills during group laboratory work and discussions, valuing diverse perspectives and contributions.
K4: Develop a critical and ethical perspective on the application of plant ecophysiology knowledge in agriculture, forestry, and environmental conservation.
K5: Recognize the importance of sustainable practices and the role of plants in maintaining ecosystem stability and addressing global challenges such as climate change.
K6: Communicate effectively with peers and instructors, presenting findings and ideas clearly in both written and oral formats.
K7: Appreciate the significance of continuous learning and staying updated with advancements in plant science and ecophysiology.
K8: Show a commitment to scientific integrity and reliability in reporting experimental data and results.
K9: Understand the societal and global relevance of plant ecophysiology in ensuring food security and biodiversity conservation.
K10: Display a professional attitude towards ecological research and a willingness to apply knowledge for the benefit of society and the environment.
Metody dydaktyczne
Lectures: Interactive presentations with discussions.
Laboratory: Hands-on experiments, data collection, and analysis.
Metody dydaktyczne eksponujące
- pokaz
Metody dydaktyczne podające
- wykład problemowy
- pogadanka
- opis
Metody dydaktyczne poszukujące
- doświadczeń
- studium przypadku
- pomiaru w terenie
- obserwacji
- referatu
- ćwiczeniowa
- laboratoryjna
Rodzaj przedmiotu
przedmiot fakultatywny
Wymagania wstępne
Basic knowledge of plant biology and physiology is recommended.
Koordynatorzy przedmiotu
Kryteria oceniania
Laboratory reports (50%)
Final oral presentation (30%)
Participation and in-class activities (20%)
Literatura
Kalaji, H. M., & Guo, P. (2018). Chlorophyll Fluorescence: Understanding Crop Performance – Basics and Applications. CRC Press.
Reich, P. B., & Oleksyn, J. (2004). "Global Patterns of Plant Leaf N and P." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 101(30), 11001-11006.
Becklin, K. M., et al. (2021). Plant Physiological Ecology in a Changing World. Springer.
Valladares, F., Gianoli, E., & Gómez, J. M. (2007). "Ecological limits to plant phenotypic plasticity." New Phytologist, 176(4), 749-763.
Sunkar, R., Kapoor, A., & Zhu, J.-K. (2006). "Posttranscriptional induction of two Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase genes in Arabidopsis is mediated by downregulation of miR398 during oxidative stress." Plant Cell, 18(8), 2051-2065.
Zandalinas, S. I., et al. (2021). "Multifaceted responses of plants to abiotic stress combinations." New Phytologist, 230(3), 1034-1048.
Więcej informacji
Dodatkowe informacje (np. o kalendarzu rejestracji, prowadzących zajęcia, lokalizacji i
terminach zajęć) mogą być dostępne w serwisie USOSweb: