Plant Photosynthesis (BIO911)
Photosynthesis is the fundamental metabolic process on earth. With a growing world population and climate-relevant energy consumption, the development of photocatalized energy production is a top priority. The biological approach is intensively studied because the molecular machines of photosynthetic autotrophic organisms provide us with a molecular blueprint to guide corresponding technology developments to enable the maintenance, evolution, and development of our heterotrophic human society.
Questions addressed in the lecture and laboratory course relate to the structural and functional foundations of photosynthetic quantum capture and electron transfer dynamics. The amount and function of photosynthetic complexes are experimentally determined. The units are localized in the thylakoid membrane. We strive to understand how the assembly of functional units for quantum capture and redox chemistry enables the highest metabolic yield to sustain plant life. Fundamental insights for biology and human technology development are generated.
Course description for study year 2024-2025
Course code
BIO911
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
4
Semester tution start
Autumn
Number of semesters
1
Language of instruction
Norwegian
Content
Learning outcome
- know the functional components for plant photosynthesis, and can
- define and set up experiments for the determination of plant photosynthesis
- record and interpret photosynthetic reactions in a plant leaf and chloroplasts
- isolate and fractionate chloroplasts in the stroma and thylakoid and envelope membranes,
- isolate and identify the photosynthesis-specific complexes and
- apply all appropriate techniques
- document laboratory operations, methods, results
- report the experimental results and prepare analysis for publication
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
---|---|---|---|---|
Report | 1/1 | Passed / Not Passed |
The laboratory work requires written documentation of each experiment with a brief introduction, result and discussion section. The quality of the practical conduction of the laboratory work and the written documentation is evaluated and assessed on a pass/fail basis.Re-sit options are not offered on the report. Students who do not pass the report can take this part again the next time the subject has regular teaching
Course teacher(s)
Course coordinator:
Lutz Andreas EichackerMethod of work
The course is directed to Ph.D. students.
Photosynthesis literature, all study material, and practical information are sent out one month before the course. The study and understanding of the key concepts must be completed before arrival at the laboratory. The content is presented and discussed during the course.
The course consists of lectures, laboratory work, and a laboratory report for which a pass/fail certificate isissued. There is no exam in this course