By the end of the subject students should be able to: survey of the diverse groups of microorganisms emphasizing important and distinguishing phylogenetic, morphological, ecological and metabolic features of members of those groups; describe the biological cycle of elements and have a particular knowledge of microorganisms whose involvements in these cycles impact on agriculture; describe plant/microorganism interactions.
Microbiologia generale e agraria. Editori Bruno Biavati e Claudia Sorlini, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano 2007.
Microbiologia agroambientale. Editori Bruno Biavati e Claudia Sorlini, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Milano 2008.
Learning Objectives
Knolewdge acquired:
Structural and functional characteristics of microorganisms
Ecology and physiological diversity of microorganisms
Growth of microorganisms and effect of environmental factors on growth
Role of microorganisms in soil environments
Role of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles
Plant –microorganism interactions
Competence acquired (at the end of the course):
Students are able to recall and integrate key knowledge and concepts about:
Role of microorganisms in soil environments
Increasing of plant production by using microorganisms activities
Skills acquired (at the end of the course):
-Handling microorganisms in aseptic conditions
-Preparation of samples for basic light microscope observation
-quantification, isolation and identification of bacteria from soil habitat
- recognition of association between root and fungi and/or diazothrophic bacteria
Teaching Methods
Total hours of the course (including the time spent in attending lectures, seminars, private study, examinations, etc...):
Hours reserved to private study and other indivual formative activities: 100
Contact hours for: Lectures (hours): 30
Contact hours for: Laboratory (hours): 18
Intermediate examinations: 2
Type of Assessment
Exam modality: Multiple choice questions during semester, oral examination at the end of semester
Course program
Introduction to microbiology and cell biology
Range of microorganisms
Prokaryotic cell structure and comparison of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure
Growth of microorganisms
Effect of environmental factors on microbial growth
Metabolism and nutritional classification of microorganisms
Bioenergetic: aerobic and anaerobic respiration, fermentations and their metabolic role, brief outline of the microbial photosynthesis.
Overview of bacterial taxonomy
Interactions among microbial populations
Development and structure of microbial communities
Microbial activity and soil fertility
Techniques for detection of microbes in the terrestrial environments
Microorganisms and biogeochemical cycles
The carbon cycle and humus synthesis
The nitrogen cycle: dinitrogen fixation (non symbiotic and symbiotic), ammonification, nitrification, nitrate reduction and denitrification.
Plant microorganism interaction: the rhizosphere and PGPR, dinitrogen fixation symbioses and mycorrhizal symbioses
Composting of organic wastes
Microorganisms and bioremediation
Laboratory experiments
Preparation of samples for basic light microscope observation
Gram staining
Preparation of media and plate count technique
Enrichment cultures, isolation and identification of bacteria.
Observation of root nodules
Observation of mychorrizal roots