PLBIO 3430 - Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering of Plants

Spring. 2 credits. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: one year of general biology or permission of instructor.

J. Hua, J. Nasrallah.

Introduction to current studies involving recombinant DNA technology and its application to the improvement of plants. Emphasizes genetic transformation methodology, gene expression systems, and strategies for increasing productivity. The course is directed toward undergraduates who wish to become familiar with the theory and practice of plant biotechnology.

Outcome 1: Students will be able to explain the basic principles that underlie developmental processes in plants.

Outcome 2: Students will be able to explain the basic concepts and methods of molecular biology and genetics as they relate to the following questions:
• How to transfer genes to plants
• How to design vectors for transforming plants
• How to analyze plant gene function
• How to express foreign genes in new plant hosts
• How to perform transient gene expression
• How to regenerate whole plants from single cells
• How to produce stable transgenic lines with single transgene integrations
• How to protect plants against viruses and pests
• How to improve quality traits in crop plants
• How to safeguard the environment and insure food safety
• How to evaluate claims relating to the GMO debate