Studying at the University of Verona
Here you can find information on the organisational aspects of the Programme, lecture timetables, learning activities and useful contact details for your time at the University, from enrolment to graduation.
Type D and Type F activities
Le attività formative in ambito D o F comprendono gli insegnamenti impartiti presso l'Università di Verona o periodi di stage/tirocinio professionale.
Nella scelta delle attività di tipo D, gli studenti dovranno tener presente che in sede di approvazione si terrà conto della coerenza delle loro scelte con il progetto formativo del loro piano di studio e dell'adeguatezza delle motivazioni eventualmente fornite.
years | Modules | TAF | Teacher |
---|---|---|---|
1° 2° | Python programming language | D |
Vittoria Cozza
(Coordinator)
|
Secondary metabolism and metabolic engineering (2020/2021)
Teaching code
4S02771
Teacher
Coordinator
Credits
6
Language
Italian
Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)
BIO/04 - PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
Period
II semestre dal Mar 1, 2021 al Jun 11, 2021.
Learning outcomes
The course covers the main groups of secondary metabolites of plants and micro-organisms from a biochemical and biosynthetic perspective, with references to how genetic engineering can be used to manipulate the levels of secondary metabolites of economic value, as well as those of importance to the health and in the human diet. The secondary metabolism course aims to provide an integrated view of some fundamental aspects of secondary metabolism from the relationship between biological functions of secondary metabolites in defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. In particular, the reasons why such a large number of plant secondary metabolites have pharmacological activity will be discussed. The course defines the major classes of secondary metabolites, their biosynthetic pathways, methods for identification of genes coding the steps of biosynthetic pathways, and finally the main approaches for the genetic engeneering of plants and microorganisms to achieve a targeted production of high-value secondary metabolites, including the advantages and disadvantages of the different methods.
Program
1. Review of the major metabolic pathways, metabolic interconnections, activation of secondary metabolism.
2. Definition and systematic of secondary metabolites (SM)
3. Ecological function of SM and pharmacological action on mammals and insects.
4. Terpenoids: synthesis of IPP (isopentenyl pyrophosphate) in the cytosol and the plastid, role of terpenoids in the plant defense. Gum. Biotechnological applications.
5. Alkaloids: biosynthesis, functional groups and biological activity, definition of the main metabolic pathways. Biotechnological applications.
6. Phenylpropanoids: biosynthesis and ecological functions. Phenols, polyphenols and tannins: classification and biosynthesis. Biotechnological applications. Biosynthesis of lignins.
7. Flavonoids: biosynthesis, localization, ecological significance. Synthesis and modification of the color of flowers for commercial purposes. Biotechnological applications.
8. Sulfur-containing compounds: biosynthesis of glucosinolates and alliin. Environmental and genetic factors that influence the expression of glucosinolates. Metabolism and detoxification of the isothiocyanates. Anti-nutritional effects in animals and humans, beneficial effects of sulfur-containing compounds in the human diet. Metabolic engineering.
9. Psoralens and acetylenes: distribution in plants used as food, biosynthesis, prospects in relation to food security.
10. Polyketides, secondary metabolites produced by bacteria. Mode of biosynthesis, possibilities for biotechnology intervention.
11. Metabolic engineering: chloroplast transformation (plants and algae) and importance of this technique in the expression of SM.
12. Metabolic engineering: genetic resources from non-culturable microorganisms and symbiotics; metagenomics, metatranscriptomic, techniques for the detection of new enzymatic activities.
13. SM in major foods.
14. Biotechnology of aromas: aromas produced by yeast in the main fermented beverages and biotechnological interventions; production of vanillin by chemical, enzymatic and biotechvmethods; production of SM by plant cell cultures; metabolic engineering of food crops aimed to modulate the set of aromas.
Examination Methods
Students will present a recently published paper on metabolic engeneering, to be identified from a list provided, and they will propose a plan to go on with and further develop the research.
Oral exam. The student will discuss the major topics of the course, trying to demonstrate critical thinking and awareness of the subject of study.