Morphogenesis and physiology of plant developement : Intended for Master 1 (M1) students Specialty: Plant biodiversity and physiology

Abstract

The course "Plant Morphogenesis and Developmental Physiology" is a core subject in semester 2, within the "Plant Biodiversity and Physiology" program's Core Unit. This subject has a weighting of 3 and is worth 8 credits, with a total of 90 hours of instruction spread over 14 to 16 weeks, including two lectures (3 hours) and two practical sessions (3 hours) per week. The aim of this course is to provide students with a theoretical and practical foundation enabling them to acquire fundamental knowledge about plant function and development. It emphasizes the mechanisms of morphogenesis and growth, as well as the structural and functional organization of plants, from the cellular and molecular level to the plant organism as a whole. This course material is intended for students in the natural and life sciences, particularly those specializing in plant biology, plant physiology, biotechnology, and biodiversity. This course can also be useful to Master's students in the life sciences, as well as to students in foundational biological and agricultural sciences, and to anyone wishing to delve deeper into the study of plant development. To effectively grasp this subject, a solid foundation in plant biology (morphology and anatomy), plant physiology, biochemistry, and genetics is necessary. This course covers the main aspects of plant morphogenesis and developmental physiology, integrating the cellular, molecular, and physiological bases of plant development. It also addresses the different stages of vegetative and reproductive growth, as well as the regulatory mechanisms that control them. Particular attention is paid to the interactions between genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors, which condition the expression of the plant development program and ensure the progressive organization of plant structures and its adaptation to the environment. Finally, this handout is structured into several chapters covering the essential concepts of plant morphogenesis, including growth, cell differentiation, organogenesis and the mechanisms regulating development in plants.