Overview: growing from seed to seed
We will focus on the physiological and molecular mechanisms that control all
phases of plant growth and development. The course starts by covering the physiological
mechanisms that control seed germination and plant cell growth and follows the
growth of plants through their life cycle, ending with production of new seed.
The course will emphasize mechanistic aspects of plant growth such as how changes
in gene activity and cellular physiology control plant growth. Specific topics
include mechanisms of seed dormancy, germination, hormonal regulation of growth,
photosynthesis, transport of nutrients through the plant body, reproductive
development, and responses to environmental signals such as light, temperature,
and adverse conditions like drought. The course does not cover practical techniques
of gardening and the care of house plants but the basic information covered
is relevant to such pursuits and will provide knowledge of the basic biological
processes that lead to successful plant growth. Throughout the semester, we
will discuss biotechnology applications relevant to the material covered in
the course. To see plant growth in action, check out the time-lapse movies of
Plants-In-Motion (http://plantsinmotion.bio.indiana.edu/).
Instructor: Roger Hangarter
Office Hours: By appointment
Office: Room 352 Myers Hall
Phone: 855-5456
Email: rhangart@indiana.edu
For Fall Semester 2004:
Lectures: 9:30-10:45 am TR, JH 107
Lab: 9:00-12:00 am F, JH A402
AI: Nick Ruppel (nruppel@bio.indiana.edu);
phone: 855-2179;
Office: room 340 Myers Hall; Office Hours: Wed 2:00 to 3:00
Requirements: Biology L111, L211.
Text: Plant Physiology by Taiz & Zeiger, 3rd edition.
Reading Assignments: In addition to reading the textbook, handouts will occasionally be provided to supplement the lab, lecture and text material.
Exams: There will be two midterm exams and a comprehensive final. The exams will be based on material from the lectures and labs. 5 written lab reports will be graded and lab notebooks will be monitored. Participation is critical for success, particularly in the laboratory setting. Thus, poor attendance will negatively impact your grade. There will also be several short quizzes during the semester in the lecture periods. Final grades will be calculated as follows:
Except in cases of extreme emergency, make-up exams will not be given after the scheduled exam date. Makeup laboratories are not possible.