"Cellular and molecular biology of plant-microbe interactions" (12 C, 14 WLH) [M.Bio.104]

Learning outcome, core skills
Introduction into theory and methods for the analysis of plant-microbe interactions on the cell biological and molecular level (basic concepts of plant-microbe interaction biology; important plant-microbe interaction model systems; preformed & induced defense mechanisms; PAMP-triggered immunity; microbial invasion & effector molecules; effector-triggered immunity; resistance to necrotrophic & biotrophic pathogens; hormone-dependent signaling; systemic acquired resistance; induced systemic resistance; siRNA, RNAi, virus-induced gene silencing; nucleocytoplasmic transport and plant defense signaling). Acquisition of basic methods used in the field of plant-microbe interaction, e. g. infection with bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens, their detection and quantification by appropriate techniques (staining techniques, light microscopy, colony and spore counting,), PAMP induction of basal defense mechanisms and their analysis (detection of receptor activation & ligand binding, reactive oxygen species & activated MAP kinases via immunoblotting and enzymatic assays), effector-triggered immune reactions (detection of programmed cell death), quantification of pathogen-induced genes using Real-time RT PCR and Northern blot hybridization, analysis of protein-protein interactions (yeast two-hybrid analysis), analysis of transient gene expression after gene transfer into protoplasts, localization of GFP-labeled proteins using fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Courses:
1. Lecture: »Plant-microbe interactions« (3 WLH)
2. Seminar: »Plant-microbe interactions« (1 WLH)
3. Methods course: »Plant-microbe interactions« (10 WLH)

Examination: written examination covering topics from the lecutre and the methods course (90 minutes)
Prerequisite for examination: oral presentation within the seminar (ca. 15 minutes)


Selection options
Elective-compulsory

Admission requirements
Can´t be combined with M.Bio.144.

Recommended previous knowledge
none

Number of repeat examinations permitted
twice

Course frequency
each summer semester

Duration
1 semester

Language
English

Maximum number of students
18

Workload
360 h (147/ 213 h, Attendance time/Self-study time)

Person responsible for module
Prof. Dr. Volker Lipka