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Biology 407b Plant Secondary Metabolism |
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Course Outline for 2003 Click here for a *.pdf version of the 2004 course outline.
Class Times: Monday, 09:00, B&GS 116 Wednesday, 10:00, B&GS 116 Friday, 11:00, B&GS 116 Topic Outline: I. Plant Secondary Metabolism (Approx. 2 Lectures) - Introduction & Ecological perspectives II. Biosynthesis of Secondary Metabolites (Approx. 9 Lectures) - Basic organic chemistry of biosynthetic reactions - Pathway organization - Specialized organelles/structures III. Alkaloids (Approx. 6 Lectures) - Biosynthesis, Physiology, Ecology, Biological activity IV. Isoprenoids/Poly Acetates (Approx. 6 Lectures) - Biosynthesis, Physiology, Ecology, Biological activity V. Phenolics (Approx. 9 Lectures) - Biosynthesis, Physiology, Ecology, Biological activity
Evaluation (see below for details): Assignments (5 @ 5 %) 25% Term Paper 30% In-Class Presentation 15% Final Exam 30% Assignments: Five take-home assignments (each worth 5% of the final
grade) will be given out during the term. The assignments will consist of one or
more questions related to material covered in class, and will require brief
written answers (i.e., 1-2 pages). Assignments will be due according to the
following schedule:
Term paper (Due Wednesday March 22, 2004): The term paper will consist of a 10-15 (double-spaced) page essay written
about a specific enzyme, pathway or natural product (secondary metabolite) of
your choice. For example, you might write a mini-review about the current status
of a biosynthetic pathway. Alternatively,
you might write a paper describing the elucidation of the mechanism of a
specific enzyme, or the ecology of a specific compound (or indeed class of
compounds) in the interaction between a plant and its environment. Another area
of interest may be the engineering of a pathway to either enhance or suppress
the biosynthesis of a target phytochemical. In this context, however, the
emphasis would need to be on the enzyme, pathway and/or product, and not the
molecular biology associated with the plant transformation used. You are
encouraged to discuss your topic with the instructor early in the term. You are encouraged to discuss your topic with the
instructor early in the term. Presentations: You will present a 20-minute talk to the class on the topic
you have written your term paper on. Presentations will be held during the last
few scheduled class periods (i.e., 2 per class).
The order of presenters will be determined by consensus.
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