Syllabus

INSTRUCTOR: NEIL REESE

OFFICE: NPB 249B

PHONE: 688-4568

E-MAIL: neil_reese@.sdstate.edu

GRADING:

LECTURE - 2 TAKE-HOME EXAMINATIONS 35% ea.
PRESENTATIONS - CURRENT PAPERS 20%
CLASS DISCUSSION - PARTICIPATION 10%

TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED:

Introduction to plant development

The Plant Body
Plant Cell Structure
Model Plant Systems
Cloning Genes and Plant Developmental Studies
Cell Lineages and Positional Information

Embryogenesis

Early Events
Genetics and Gene Expression
Mutation Studies
Pattern Formation

Seedling Development

Photomorhogenesis
Hormonal Regulation

Shoot Development

Apical Meristem Organization
Mutation Studies
Phyllotaxy
Elongation and Hormonal Regulation

Leaf Development

Leaf Determination and Development
Genetics of Leaf Development

Induction of Flowering

Transition of Meristem from Vegetative to Floral
Genetic Regulation
Floral Development - Model Systems
Development of Floral Organs and Gametophytes

Pollination and Apomixis

Pollen Tube Development
Self Incompatibility
Apomixis

Seed and Fruit Development

Morphogenesis and Development of Seeds
Dormancy
Fruit Development

Root Development

Apical Meristem and the Promeristem
Cell Positional Information and Development
Origin of the Primary Root
Lateral Root Development
Genetics and Gene Expression
Root Hairs

Vascular Development

Cells of the Vasculature
Development of the Vascular System
Regeneration
Programmed Cell Death
Developmental Mutants

Philosophy

The GOAL of this class is to provide all participants with a basic understanding of plant growth and development, emphasizing the molecular genetic studies that have played an important role in the development of our current understanding of these processes. We will focus primarily on discussions of current research in this field. Reading assignments will be made before discussion of any topic and I will briefly summarize the materials during the lecture period. The text is intended to provide needed background materials that will allow you to better appreciate the primary literature. Members of the class will be responsible for being well prepared to discuss the assigned readings and to express their views and opinions of materials presented.

The student presentations are intended to help develop critical thinking and communication skills. Class members will present current literature in assigned areas, selecting papers that provide insight into basic developmental processes and that also reflect the presenters interests. Guest lectures and class demonstrations will add to this aspect of the course.

This section of the course will be integrated into the ABS 704 through the colloquium. Students in this section will provide insights into the role of development in the overall function of plants as it relates to crop water relations, and provide a bridge to those students in the molecular biology section, helping to clarify the potential and limitations of genetic manipulation of crops.