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Seminar, The Immune system of plants

Vak
2010-2011

Coordinator

Prof.dr. J. Memelink, j.memelink@biology.leidenuniv.nl

Description
Plants defend themselves against pests and diseases with a so-called innate immune system, which is found in all multicellular organisms. Vertebrates have acquired in addition the so-called adaptive immune system, which depends on antibodies. Innate immunity has evolved in plants, resulting in a wide diversity of defense mechanisms adapted to specific threats (herbivores and pathogens). The seminar will deal with the different defense mechanisms, their biochemical and molecular genetic mode of action, their efficiency and durability, their physiological and ecological costs for the plant, their evolution, heritability and plasticity, as well as with research topics and applications that use functional genomics, metabolomics and genetic modification.

Methods of instruction
Reading selection of original research papers. Emphasis is on critical reading, discussion and oral presentations by the participants.

Study material
Research papers.

Examination
Oral presentation, discussion and a short written report.

Course requirements/recommendations
1st-year BSc courses Ecology and Biochemistry & Genetics

Time table
Second semester

Application (enrolling)
E-mail to coordinator

Blackboard
Blackboard is used for communication and course material/

Course objective
The objectives are to practice: reading primary scientific literature, discussing scientific articles, orally presenting a specific scientific topic, writing a critical review about a specific topic.

Remarks
Minimum 6, maximum 12 participants