Cipher: 2509
Nomenclature: Molecular biology of photosynthetic organisms
Study programme: Molecular biosciences
Module: Plant biology
Case holder:

Prof.dr.sc. Hrvoje Lepeduš
Institution of the case holder:

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, J.J. Strossmayer University of Osijek
Contributors - Contractors:
Subject status: Electoral College
The year in which the case is submitted: Year I
The semester in which the case is submitted: Semester II
Subject objective:

Understand the molecular structure of the photosynthetic apparatus as well as the connection between the organization of structures and biomolecules with their function.
Case contents:

Molecular organization of thylacoid membranes: photosynthetic pigments, photoshoot systems, chain of electron transport;
Regulation in the process of photosynthesis;
Regulation of transcription of nucleus genes with chloroplast signals;
Protein intake in chloroplast;
Photosynthesis in stressful conditions: photoinhibition, temperature influence, lack of water, the presence of salts, heavy metals and herbicides.
Evolution of the photoshoot system.

Exercises:
Determination of photosynthetic pigments by high-efficiency liquid chromatography;
Determination of net-photosynthesis using an oxygen electrode;
Measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence in vivo using the saturation pulse method;
Insulation of intact chloroplasts;
Localization of chloroplastic proteins by confocal microscope.
Learning outcomes: competences, knowledge, skills that the subject develops:

1. Analyze basic knowledge about the process of photosynthesis.
2. Explain the application of some of the modern laboratory techniques used in photosynthesis research.
3. Rethink the role of photosynthesis processes in stress tolerance in photosynthetic organisms.
4. Master modern methods of researching photosynthesis.
ECTS Credits 6
Lectures 20
Seminars (IS) 5
Exercises (E) 5
Altogether 30
The way of teaching and acquiring knowledge:

Regular teaching and active participation – regular preparation of reports on performed exercises and interpretation of results based on knowledge acquired in theoretical and practical teaching.
Ways of teaching and acquiring knowledge: (notes)
Monitoring and evaluating students (mark in fat printing only relevant categories) Attendance, Exercise or case study
Rating method: Viva voce
Mandatory literature:

BUCHANAN, B., GRUISSEM, W., JONES, R. L., 2015: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Plants. 2nd ed., American Society of Plant Biologists, Wiley Blackwell.
Supplementary (recommended) literature:

VOJTA, LEAH; CARIĆ, DEJANA; CESAR, VERA; ANTUNOVIĆ DUNIĆ, JASENKA; LEPEDUŠ, HRVOJE; KVEDER, MARINA; FULGOSI, HRVOJE. TROL-FNR interaction reveals alternative pathways of electron partitioning in photosynthesis. Scientific reports. 5 (2015):10085, DOi: 10.1038/srep10085.
H. KALAJI et al.: Frequently asked questions about in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence: practical issues. Photosynth. Res. 122 (2014) 121-158.
ŠIMIĆ, DOMAGOJ; LEPEDUŠ, HRVOJE; JURKOVIĆ, VLATKA; ANTUNOVIĆ, JASENKA; CESAR, VERA. Quantitative genetic analysis of chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters in maize in the field environments. Journal of integrative plant biology. 56 (2014), 7; 695-708.
How to monitor the quality and performance performance (evaluation):

By talking to students and anonymous surveys. The success of the course will be evaluated annually by the joint expert committee of the Ruđer Boskovic Institute, the University of Dubrovnik and the University of Josip Juraj Strossmayer in Osijek based on exam success and surveys.