The course includes, if necessary, a reminder of inorganic chemistry preparatory to the course of organic chemistry and biochemistry. The topics addressed in organic chemistry are the main types of organic molecules and their reactivity, while for plant biochemistry they are bio-energy and the main metabolic pathways. A particular focus is dedicated to the radical assimilation of nutrients and photosynthesis , the latter also in relation to environmental stress.
G.W. Solomons "Fondamenti di Chimica Organica" Ed. Zanichelli
J. McMurry "Chimica Organica" Ed. Zanichelli
W.H. Brown "Introduzione alla Chimica Organica" EdiSES
Bosetto, Lozzi. Elementi di Biochimica agraria. Aracne Ed. Pinton, Cocucci, Nannipieri, Trevisan. Fondamenti di Biochimica Agraria. Patron Ed..
Lea J.P., Leegood R.C. Plant biochemistry and molecular biology. Wiley Ed
Learning Objectives
Skills acquired (at the end of the course): Knowledge of organic chemistry and understanding of the most important biochemical processes characteristic of plant life.
Learning outcomes:
• Characteristics and reactivity of organic molecules;
• organic molecules' reaction mechanisms;
• Knowledge of the main metabolic pathways;
• Radical assimilation of nutrients;
• Metabolic strategies of plants to adapt to the environmental stresses at rhizospheric and photosynthetic levels;
Skills acquired (at the end of the course):
Understanding the chemical and biochemical mechanisms that underlie the metabolic activities of plants and the production processes related to them also in relation to environmental stressors.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of inorganic chemistry, morphology, anatomy and plant physiology are strongly recommended
Teaching Methods
Credits: 9
Total hours of the course: 216 (= 9x24)
Hours for personal study and other individual formative activities: 144
Hours for personal study and other individual formative activities: 96
Hours related to classroom activities: 64 of which 4 inorganic chemistry, 22 in organic chemistry, 24 in biochemistry, 6 in-depth seminars on specific topics, 8 in interactive review of the topics covered in organic chemistry courses and biochemistry with application questions to facilitate understanding of the acquired notions. The review takes place in two time at the completion of the organic chemistry and biochemistry programs.
Hours related to laboratory activities: 8.
Further information
Frequency of lessons and exercises are not mandatory but recommended
Teaching tools: PC, overhead projector, laboratories
Type of Assessment
Oral exam aimed at determining the student's ability to illustrate the notions learned with an organic speech highlighting the ability of critical reasoning and the use of an appropriate technical-scientific language.
Course program
Retrieval of inorganic chemistry:
Description of the periodic table of the elements
Electronegativity of the elements
Atomic orbitals and their hybridization (sp1, sp2, sp3)
Type of bonds: homo-polar and hetero-polar; single , double and triple; covalent, electrostatic bonds
Resonance formulas
Red-Ox reactions
Acid-and base theory (Arrhenius, Bronsted-Lowry, Lewis )
The pH and solubility definition
Organic chemistry
Aliphatic and cyclic molecules
Saturated and unsaturated molecules
Molecular stability: optimal binding angle, cis and trans conformation, eclipsed and staggered conformation, chair and boat conformation
Chirality and a-chirality concepts
Cyclized aromatic molecules
Reactive group definition and its relevance on the molecule reactivity
Description of hydrocarbons, alcohols , phenols, aldehydes and ketones, lipids, fatty acids, amines
Type of reactions: additive, substitutive and reductive
Description of ether, epoxy, ester bounds
Molecular reactive mechanisms: nucleophilic and electrophile attack
Introduction to the main organic molecules with biochemical relevance: glucides, lipids, fatty acids and proteins
Biochemistry
The metabolism: anabolism and catabolism, Bio-energetic and enzymatic activity.
Catabolism: glucides, fatty acids and proteins degradation; Citric Acids Cycle.
Anabolism: mithocondrial ATP synthesis, photosynthesis light dependent phase (ATP synthesis and reductive power production); photosynthesis light independent phase (C3 plants); lipids and proteins biosynthesis.
Secondary metabolism: major classes of secondary products and their functions in plant.
Plant adaptation to abiotic stress: climatic stress (C4, CAM and Chlororespiration).
Interactive review of the topics covered in the biochemistry course with questions aimed at stimulating the application of the acquired notions.;
Seminars:
• Soil as as a complex biological system
• The role of plants in the recovery of polluted soils
• Soil sampling and analysis methods: how, when and why?
Laboratory exercises
Laboratory activities concerning bulk and rhizospheric soil sampling techniques, sample preparation and analyzes for their physical-chemical and biological characterization.