XII. Course Descriptions

Plant Biology

School of Environmental Sciences

Department of Plant Agriculture

PBIO*3110 Crop Physiology F (3-3) [0.50]
This course examines the physiological basis of crop yield determination, with emphasis on phenomena that express themselves at the whole canopy (rather than single plant) level of organization. It covers canopy scale measurements of crop growth, development, and solar radiation capture; photosynthesis, beginning at the level of biochemistry and working up to the whole canopy scale; how photoassimilates are used in the processes of respiration, growth and yield formation; and crop - environment interactions, including water stress, nutrient uptake and utilization, and light quality effects on photomorphogenesis.
Prerequisite(s): 1 of BIOL*1040, BIOL*1050, BIOL*1070, BIOL*1090
Department(s): Department of Plant Agriculture
PBIO*3750 Plant Tissue Culture F (2-3) [0.50]
An examination and discussion of the principles, protocols and utilization of plant cell tissue culture systems. In vitro propagation and regeneration, mutagenesis and selection, secondary metabolite elicitation and cell transformation techniques including protoplast fusion, direct DNA uptake and plant bacterial co-cultivation will be emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): AGR*2451/2 or BOT*2100
Department(s): Department of Plant Agriculture
PBIO*4000 Molecular and Cellular Aspects of Plant-Microbe Interactions F (3-0) [0.50]
This course examines molecular and cellular aspects of the interaction between plants and microorganisms such as mycorrhizae, pathogenic fungi, Agrobacterium, pathogenic bacteria, and plant viruses. Topics include microbial virulence, signaling, gene expression, and disease resistance in plants.
Prerequisite(s): 1 of BOT*2100, MICR*2030, (BIOL*1070, BIOL*1090, MBG*2040)
Department(s): School of Environmental Sciences
PBIO*4150 Molecular and Cellular Aspects of Plant Development W (3-0) [0.50]
An examination of the molecular and cellular processes that underlie cellular differentiation and organ formation in plants. The roles of homeotic genes, gene regulation, cell polarity, morphogens and environmental effects in development will be discussed. Subjects will be introduced by a lecture and examined in detail in discussions of pertinent research papers.
Offering(s): Offered in even-numbered years.
Prerequisite(s): BOT*2100
Department(s): Department of Plant Agriculture
PBIO*4530 Plants and Environmental Pollution W (3-0) [0.50]
This course analyzes the environmental pollution effects on physiological and ecological processes of plants, in both managed and unmanaged ecosystems. Pollutants under study include contaminants of air (such as ozone, sulphur dioxide, NOx ) and soil (such as metals). This course also covers how to use plants to improve air (both indoor and outdoor), water and soil environment. The format includes both lecture and presentation/discussion of current and historical peer-reviewed literature.
Prerequisite(s): (1 of BIOL*2060, BOT*2100, ENVM*1200, ENVS*2040 , ENVS*2330, PBIO*3110), CHEM*1040
Department(s): School of Environmental Sciences
PBIO*4750 Genetic Engineering of Plants W (3-3) [0.50]
This course provides an examination and discussion of the principles, protocols and applications of molecular biology and transformation technology to the genetic improvements of plants.
Prerequisite(s): 1 of MBG*2020 , MBG*2040, MBG*2400
Department(s): Department of Plant Agriculture
University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1
Canada
519-824-4120