Theory and practice of preparing plant cells and tissues for observation with light and scanning electron microscopy. Fixation, dehydration, embedding, sectioning, standard staining procedures, some histo-chemistry, use of light microscope, introduction to modern embedment media. Offered in odd-numbered years. Application of ecophysiological theory and practice of the study of plant responses to increasing carbon dioxide levels and increased irradiance of ultraviolet-B light. Experimental work includes demonstrations and individual projects making use of the phytotron facility.
Seminars involve the discussion of significant research papers in the discipline.
Offered in odd-numbered years. Acquisition and utilization of mineral nutrients by higher plants. Specific topics include effect of plant roots on the solubility and availability of soil minerals, the role of roots, root hairs, root nodules, and mycorrhiza in mineral acquisition, mechanisms of ion transport across the plasma membrane, functions of macronutrients, micronutrients, and the beneficial elements, chemical composition of plant tissues, and response of plants to mineral deficiencies and toxicities. Offered in odd-numbered years. Molecular and cellular biology of plants, with emphasis on signaling and regulation of gene expression mediating physiological responses of plant cells.