Survey of diverse groups of microorganisms emphasizing importance and distinguishing phylogenetic, morphological, ecological and metabolic features of members of those groups; describe the biological cycle of elements with particular attention to microorganisms involved and their impact on forest ecosystems; describe plant/microorganism interactions; describe the main approaches used for microbial restoration of degraded lands.
-Microbiologia Generale e Agraria, a cura di Sorlini e Biavati, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
-Microbiologia AgroAmbientale, a cura di Sorlini e Biavati, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
Learning Objectives
Students are able to recall and integrate key knowledge and concepts about:
-role of microorganisms in soil environments
-use of microorganisms to increase forest ecosystems productivity and to restore degraded lands.
Prerequisites
Students are expected to be familiar with the principles and terminology of inorganic and organic chemistry, soil chemistry and the morphology, anatomy and physiology of plants
Teaching Methods
Contact hours for Lectures: 26
Laboratory/practice: 22
Further information
Frequency of lectures, practice and lab:
highly recommended
Type of Assessment
Oral examination on the subjects of lectures and laboratory. Verification of basic concepts and ability to argue about real and surveys scientific language skills.
Course program
Prokaryotic cell structure and comparison of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure
Growth of microorganisms and nutritional classification of microorganisms
Bioenergetic: aerobic and anaerobic respiration, fermentations and their metabolic role, brief outline of the microbial photosynthesis.
Interactions among microbial populations
Development and structure of microbial communities
Microorganisms and biogeochemical cycles
The carbon cycle and litter degradation
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
Molecular methods for microbial characterization
Composting of organic wastes
Microorganisms in bioremediation and energy production
Laboratory classes
Preparation of samples for basic light microscope observation
Gram staining
Preparation of media and plate count technique
Enrichment cultures, isolation and identification of bacteria by Biolog system
Observation of root nodules
Observation of mychorrizal roots
Molecular typing methods and molecular ecology applications.