BOTANY - channel 2

Knowing the plant and fungal diversity at morphological and reproductive level with reference to the mechanisms of evolution.

Understanding the differences between the large groups of tallophytes, fungi and higher plants with reference to the main phylogenetic relationships.

The modules of the course will be held through the carrying out of lectures accompanied by presentations "power point" that are made available to students and by exercises and field visits

The course is divided into two modules. Module I (3 CFU) provides preliminary and general knowledge on plant biology; Module II (6 CFU) is dedicated to the study of plant biodiversity.

Module I (P. Minissale)

The autotrophic prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Structural levels and modes of nutrition (parasitic organisms, sapropotrias and symbionts). Overview of chlorophyll photosynthesis. Role of plants in the biosphere. General characteristics of the eukaryotic plant cell (plastids, vacuoles, wall and its modifications). Cell division. Origin of the eukaryotic cell. The different degrees of structural organization (thallus, corm). Classification and phylogenesis. Main classification systems. Botanical nomenclature. Overview of the processes of speciation. Vegetative reproduction, sporulation, sexual reproduction. Mode and meaning of the different types of reproduction. Ontogenetic cycles and metagenetic cycles and their evolutionary significance. Sexuality in plants: hermaphrodite, monoecious and dioecious plants. Photoautotrophic prokaryotes. Cyanobacteria.

Module II (S. Sciandrello)

Mycetes: morphology of the thallus, reproduction, trophism, ecology and main biological cycles (Zygomycetes, Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes). The heterotrophic protists: Oomycetes. Algae: types of organization of the thallus: morphology and ecological adaptations; reproduction and main biological cycles (Rodophytes, Heterokonta, Chlorophytes) The conquest of the emerged lands: causes, theories, adaptations to terrestrial life. Notes on the most ancient terrestrial plants. Non-vascular cryptogams: morphology, reproduction and biological cycle. The main groups (Bryophytes, Hepatophytes and Anthocerotophyta). Vascular cryptogams: vegetative and reproductive characters, biological cycle; isosporia and heteropory. The main groups (Lycophytes, Psilotophytes, Sphynophytes and Pterophytes). Spermatophytes: reproductive systems, pollination and fertilization, ovum and seed. Gymnosperms: vegetative and reproductive systems, biological cycle. The main groups (Cicadofite, Ginkgofite, Conifera, Gnetofite). Angiosperms: vegetative and reproductive characteristics, flower and inflorescences, pollination and fertilization, seed, fruit and infructescences, dissemination. Distinctive characteristics and uses of the main families of Mediterranean Angiosperms.

1. Evert R.F., Eichhorn S.E. 2013. Raven biology of plants, 8th edn. W.H. Freeman/Palgrave Macmillan

2. GEROLA F.M., Biologia vegetale. 3^ ed. 1998. UTET (for the chapter on reproduction)

3. GEROLA F.M., Biologia e diversità dei vegetali. 1995. UTET (for the topic "organization of the plant body")