Atomic properties and chemistry of C, Basic knowledge on the chemical structure and main properties of carbon compounds, basic knowledge of the main biological molecules, on the main metabolic pathways, on the biosynthesis of the secondary metabolites, on the root elemental assimilation, on the mechanisms of the ssed germination and interactions between plant and environment.
Gorzynski Smith ‘Fondamenti di Chimica Organica’, Ed. Mc Graw Hill
Solomons G.W. ‘Fondamenti di Chimica Organica’, Ed. Zanichelli
M. Bosetto I. Lozzi ‘Elementi di Biochimica agraria’, Ed. Aracne
Brown WH, Poon, T 'Introduzione alla Chimica Organica', Editore EDISES
Learning Objectives
Understanding of the structure of the organic compounds and biomolecules, and deduct information of their reactivity and functions. Principles of biochemistry and enzymology, and of the processes responsible for the plant element assimilation and plant-environment interactions.
Ability to apply the knowledge of organica chemistry and biochemistry to improve the plant management and growth through the knowledge of the plant biochemistry and nutrient assimilation
Prerequisites
Courses required: none
Courses recommended: general and inorganic chemistry
and Botany
Teaching Methods
Calss lectures, laboratory for 30% of the formation credits and seminars on specific topics.
Further information
Class attendance: not compulsory, but strongly recommended
Type of Assessment
Oral exam at the end of the class lectures.
Course program
Introduction to organic chemistry:
General concepts on carbon chemistry. Hybridization and main functional groups of the biological molecules. Acidity and alkalinity in aqueous and non aquous solutions.
Linerar and cyclic alkanes, and alkenes and alkynes: main properties of the single, double and triple bonds and of the conjugated bonds. Principles of IUPAC nomenclature of organic compounds.
Stereochemistry and isomer properties, poly-chiral molecules and pro-chiral centres
Radical reactions of alkanes.
Alkenes: electrophilic addition to the double bond.
Alcohols and ethers: synthesis and reactivity
The aromaticity: main properties and reactivity of the aromatic compounds. Phenols and quinones.
Aldehydes and ketones, carbonyl groups, main properties and reactivity. Acetals and semi-acetals: aldol condensation and keto-enol tautomerism.
Carboxilic acids: carboxylic group, main properties, nucleophylic substitution reactions to the acyl group and derivatives.
Amines: main properties and reactivity.
Plant biochemistry:
biological molecules; their structure and functions; enzymes and basic concepts in enzymology; photosynthesis: conversion of light into chemical energy, CO2 fixation, C3, C4 e CAM photosynthesis, photorespiration, mechanisms of uncoupling phytochemicals, sinthesis of sucrose and starch; respiration: glycolysis, lipid oxidation pathways, and protein demolition, Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorilation; anabolism: gluconeogenesis, fatty acid and lipid biosynthesis, aminoacid and protein biosynthesis; secondary metabolism: biosynthesis of aromatic aminoacids and scichimic acid pathway, sitnehsis of phytohormones, lignins, pectines, suberines, alkaloids, isoprenoids, flavonoids, synthesis of the chlorophylles, purin and pirimidines;
Root assimilation: definition and properties of the rhizosphere and elemental availability;
Definition and mechanisms of the transporters; root assimilation of nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur and iron.
Seed germination and plant-environment interaction: biochemical mechanisms of the germination: mode of use of the storage compounds of the seed; glyoxilate cycle; plant biochemical responses to thermal and water stress.
Laboratory: determination of the activity of plant enzymes: properties and kinetic parameters; determination of total protein content; plant toxicity tests.