Trends in Plant Reproduction Biology: from Flowers to Seeds

The evolutionary success and enormous diversity among flowering plants is mainly the result of the sexual reproduction process, which starts with flowering and results in the formation of fruits and seeds. This key process is under tight genetic and molecular control, but is also adapted to the environment. How such a conserved process can show flexibility remains an intriguing question. In this advanced course the latest breakthroughs and trends in plant reproduction research will be discussed with a focus on molecular and genetic mechanisms and the impact of 'omics' - technologies. Included topics:

• flowering time control;
• flower organ formation;
• evolution of reproductive processes;
• gametophyte development and fertilization;
• fruit set;
• seed development.

Students will not only get insight in the complex molecular and genetic networks underlying plant reproduction, but will also get acquainted with writing of a research proposal, how to design a well-thought and focused research question, and how to address this research question. Note that this course has a maximum number of students.

• Recognize and describe the latest trends in plant reproduction research in their own words

• Critically read and evaluate a scientific paper and implement the extracted information into a research plan

• Design a well-thought, realistic and focused research question

• Write and present a research proposal on a selected biological topic in a small group

• Written test with open questions (50%) Based on the lectures and papers.
• Performance (0%) Compulsory participation in the literature discussions.
• Assignment other (50%) Group assignment (group size 3 or 4). Each student writes one part of the proposal individually. Based on the evaluation of this part, the mark obtained as a group can be adjusted with maximal one point. Re-submission of an improved version of an insufficiently graded group proposal is possible in the resit period.

This is an advanced master course and therefore, a good basic knowledge of molecular biology and genomics is essential. We strongly advice to follow first at least one of the following courses or equivalent: GEN30306 (Genetic Analysis, Tools and Concepts), MOB20803 (Mechanisms of Development), MOB30806 (Regulation of Plant Development), MOB31303 (Molecular Development), MOB31812 (Toolbox Molecular Biology), PPH30306 (Plant Cell and Tissue Culture), or PPH30806 (Plant Plasticity and Adaptation). Affinity with plant reproduction and plant developmental concepts is advantageous.

• Recent review and in-depth research papers on the topics of the course, powerpoint slides or other documentation of the lectures.