6 ECTS credits
150 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4017308ENR for all students in the 1st semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.
Epigenetics
Epigenetic mechanisms in plants and applications for research and molecular breeding:
· RNA silencing
· siRNA and microRNA pathways and their biological relevance
· Systemic spreading of silencing
· Paramutation
· Genomic imprinting
· Transcriptional gene silencing
· RNA directed DNA methylation
· Silencing and heterochromatinization
· Molecular breeding tools: co-suppression and virus induced gene silencing (VIGS)
Genomics
Structure and evolution of plant genomes and genome wide analysis techniques:
· Genome structure in Arabidopsis, rice, poplar and leguminous plants
· Genome evolution, gene duplication, repetitive DNA, transposable elements, dynamics of chloroplast, mitochondrial and nuclear genome
· Functional genomics: Forward and reverse genetics techniques: T-DNA and transposon insertion mutagenesis, chemical mutagenesis, TILLING
· Genetic mapping and map-based cloning
· Global gene expression analysis
Advanced genetic engineering
· Definition of an “elite” transgene locus
· Marker free transgenic plants
· Avoiding “backbone” DNA
· Cisgenic or intragenic plants
· Recombination mechanisms in plants and gene targeting
· Chimeraplasty
Plant reproductive development
· Floral induction
· Flower development
· Development of reproductive organs
· Fertilization, self-incompatibility, apomixis
· Seed and fruit development
· Modification of reproductive processes
Plant metabolic engineering
Examples of plant metabolic pathways (lipid, amino acid, carotenoid, tocopherol biosynthesis etc.) and their engineering towards higher nutritional quality and better functional properties.
none
The course aims to give an overview of advanced molecular biology techniques, used to gain understanding in functioning of plants at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels and in plant biotechnology. This will be illustrated with examples in major fields of plant biology research, mainly plant development, plant/microbe interactions and plant metabolism.
At the end of the course the student should be able to understand and develop research strategies for problems in plant molecular biology or biotechnology.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
The examination consists of two parts:
(I) Two questions from two different main parts of the lectures. The student has 25 min to prepare a schematic written answer; this is followed by a 25 min oral discussion, during which additional questions will be asked by the examinator. The score is based on the oral examination, the written preparation is only meant as a help for the oral part.
Each question counts for 25% of the final mark.
(II) A presentation by the student of one subject in the broad field of plant molecular biology and based on two recent research papers (no review papers; at least one paper should have been published within a period of two years preceding the examination) to be selected by the student and approved by the course responsible (send the papers by e-mail to Geert.Angenon@vub.be at the latest one week before the exam). During the exam the student should concisely and critically present in 10 min (a) the background, (b) the objectives, (c) the experimental set up and the main conclusions of the most important experiments described in the chosen papers and (d) formulate suggestions and hypotheses for further research. The presentation is followed by 15 min discussion. The student can use whatever material considered suitable (e.g. a printout of the papers, a printout of important figures, a powerpoint presentation …).
Possible journals where good articles can be found:
The Plant Journal, New Phytologist, Plant Cell and Environment, Plant Molecular Biology, Plant Physiology, Plant Cell, Plant Biotechnology Journal, Planta, Molecular Breeding, Plant Science, BMC Plant Biology, PLOS Biology, PLOS pathogens, Transgenic Research, Nature, Science, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences etc.
The presentation should be based on two research papers, however if needed, you can and should consult additional literature.
The presentation counts for 50% of the final mark.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Biology: Molecular and Cellular Life sciences (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biology: Education (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Biology: Molecular and Cellular Life sciences
Master of Biology: Ecology and Biodiversity
Master of Teaching in Science and Technology: biologie (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)