Content (Syllabus outline)
Control of gene expression in eucaryotes (transcriptional and post-transcriptional control of gene expression, epigenetic modifications, RNAi mechanism). Genomics in plant studies. Basic principles of structural genomics (whole genome sequencing, sequence structures, databases), transcriptomics (DNA arrays, RNA-seq.), proteomics (2-DE, MS) and function genomics (reverse genetics). Handling plant genomic data (bioinformatics). Applications of genomics in plant biotechnology. Genome analysis: methods of monitoring genome variability in plants, cytogenetic techniques (karyotype, FISH, GISH). More complex methods of plant tissue culture applicable in plant breeding. Integral approaches to the creation of novel plant varieties with added value. Genetic transformation: choice of technique used to achieve indirect or direct gene transfer, analysis of transient and stable transformation. Insertion of novel gene elements or gene silencing. Nuclear and plastid transformations. Recent novel gene transformation techniques and genome editing and their legislative regulation at EU level. Genetic modification of agriculturally important traits: resistance to biotic (bacterial and fungal diseases) and abiotic (drought, low temperatures, salinity) factors. Genetic modifications to improve yield quality (higher nutritional value, decrease of allergens). Successful cases and public acceptance of genetically modified crops.
Specificity of breeding protocols in relation to field crops and horticultural plants. Presentation and discussion of student projects. Invited lectures..
Prerequisites
Conditions for inclusion in the work:
Enrolment in the appropriate academic year.
Conditions for performing study obligations
Prerequisite for final exam is passing preliminary examination.