PHP-30806 Molecular Aspects of Bio-interactions

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

The course focuses on the molecular basis of the interactions of plants with attackers (viruses, micro-organisms, nematodes, insects, parasitic plants), and beneficial organisms (symbiotic bacteria and fungi).
The following topics are discussed:
- the repertoire of potential defense mechanisms in plants;
- similarities between plant resistance proteins in relation to specificity towards effector proteins in the attacker;
- signaling processes within an individual plant and between a plant and its neighbors;
- defense-related signal transduction pathways and the cross-talk between pathways;
- mechanisms and strategies by which attackers invade plants, overcome host defense responses and reproduce in or on the host tissues;
- mechanisms and strategies by which symbiotic organisms interact with plants;
- how fundamental molecular knowledge on these biological processes can be exploited to improve control measures, by novel non-toxic chemicals or genetic modification.
Experiments in the practical course illustrate aspects of the theory.

Learning outcomes:

After the course the students:
- will have acquired insight into the molecular basis of interactions between plants and viruses, micro-organisms, nematodes, insects, parasitic plants, symbiotic bacteria and fungi;
- will be aware of the complexity of the repertoire of defense mechanisms that plants utilize to (directly or indirectly) counteract attackers;
- will comprehend how attackers invade plants and reproduce, with emphasis on the function of certain proteins in these processes;
- will comprehend how symbiotic organisms interact with plants without triggering defense responses;
- will understand how insights into bio-interactions can be exploited to the benefit of plants;
- will be able to perform a short research project in the field of bio-interactions in plants;
- will be able to write a report about the above research project.

Activities:

Lectures, practical course.

Examination:

On the basis of a written exam (60%), the experimental skills and quality of the report of the practical (40%). The mark for the exam must be sufficient.

Literature:

Reader available from WUR-shop.