3 ECTS credits
90 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 1015373CNR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (C) Bachelor - specialised level.
If requested by the students, the first 6h of the course will consist of course specific English language support.
× Plant genome analysis: sequencing and annotation of genomes, genome evolution, gene duplication, repetitive DNA, transposable elements, dynamics of chloroplast, mitochondrial and nuclear genome
× Functional genomics and transcriptomics
× Transformation of plants:
Introduction of DNA in plant cells: Agrobacterium mediated transformation; direct gene transfer
Generating transgenic plants and the use of selectable markers; regeneration; meristem transformation, in planta transformation, microspore transformation;
transient expression systems
Legislation on GMOs
× Silencing and epigenetic mechanisms in plants and applications for research and molecular breeding: paramutation, transcriptional gene silencing, RNA silencing, siRNA and microRNA pathways and their biological relevance, co-suppression, VIGS
× Applications of plant biotechnology:
Quality traits (nutritional quality improvement: proteins, starch, lipids, vitamins, etc.; ripening processes; ..)
Agronomic traits (resistance to diseases, pests and abiotic stress, herbicide resistance, etc.)
Practicals: Transient gene expression experiment and analysis of transgenic plants
Particpation in the practicals is obligatory
Students will have obtained an overview of plant molecular genetic research methods and technologies and understand the potential of these techniques to investigate how plants function and how crops can be improved (“molecular breeding”). The course is also meant as a basis for those who want specialize in molecular (plant) biotechnology in the master program.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 85% of the final mark.
Practical Exam determines 15% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the Practical Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Partial marks for ‘Practical exam’, if the student obtains at least half of the score for this part, are transferred to the second session and to the next academic year.
Students may not relinquish partial marks.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Biology: Default track (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Bioengineering Sciences: Profile Cell and Gene Biotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Bridging Programme Master of Science in Biology: Standaard (53 SP) (only offered in Dutch)