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Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

PLNT2001

This unit of study is designed to develop an understanding of the molecular principles that underlie the structure and function of plants and how these principles relate to the use of plants by humans as a source of food and fibre. The unit is a core unit for BScAgr students and an elective for BSc and other degree programs. It recognizes the specialized nature of plant biochemistry and molecular biology and is a platform for students who wish to gain a sound knowledge of plant growth and development.This unit covers the biochemistry of the main carbohydrate, lipid, protein and nucleic acid constituents of plants , metabolic pathways that regulate plant growth and development, the mobilization and deposition of storage reserves, storage and expression of genetic information and control of gene expression in plant responses to environmental influences. The tools and techniques of molecular biology and their applications in plant biotechnology will also be explored.At the completion of this unit students will be able to demonstrate theoretical knowledge of the biochemical structure and function of plants and how molecular biology can enhance our use of plants as food and fibres. Students will also be able to demonstrate abilities in the practice of laboratory methods used to analyse plants and the effective communication of experimental findings. Students enrolled in this unit will gain research and enquiry skills through attendance at lectures and participation in laboratory classes and tutorials, information literacy and communication skills through the synthesis of information used to prepare practical reports, social and professional understanding by participation in groupwork and assessments that seek to understand the role of agriculture in the broader community.

Unit of study details

Unit of study level: Intermediate

Credit points: 6

Commencing semesters: 1

Further unit of study information

Unit of study handbook: PLNT2001

Costs and scholarships information: Costs and Scholarships

Final dates to withdraw from units of study: Census Dates

Available for study abroad and exchange: Yes

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