PLBIO 3470 - [Histology of Plant Organisms]

Spring. Next offered 2016-2017 (offered alternate years). 3 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: introductory course in botany, or permission of instructor. May not be taken for credit after PLBIO 3450.

A. Gandolfo-Nixon.

The goal of this course is to introduce to the students the plant histology of specific model organisms. The course consists of three topics: revision of general plant anatomy, and review of plant structures from a phylogenetic framework, and structure and histology of selected plant model organisms (Sorghum, Zea, Triticum, Avena, Lycopersicum, Arabidopsis, Borago and Nicotiana).

Outcome 1: To expose the student to a variety of anatomical data and concepts so that the student will have an appreciation for the content and organization of plant histology and morphology of selected plant model organisms. The student will be making original observations of the materials that is a prerequisite to adequate learning and attaining the skills required for doing original research. This is performed by the study of 4 monocots and 4 dicots that are considered model organisms.

Outcome 2: To allow the student to gain the ability to perform practical diagnosis on anatomical “unknowns” focusing on plant model organisms. The student will become an independent observer that is prerequisite to being able to perform new anatomical studies, and to being able to apply anatomical studies to related fields.

Outcome 3: To provide the students with the necessary tools to identify plant anatomical forms, function and evolutionary diversity based on comparative studies of several taxa among vascular plants. This is accomplished by focusing on anatomical and developmental studies of plant model organisms.