Plants and Fungi

Abstract

The lecture conveys the fundamental concepts underlying multicellularity with an emphasis on the molecular basis of multicellular biological systems and their functional integration into coherent wholes. The structural and functional specialization in multicellular organisms will be discussed by highlighting common and specific functions in fungi and plant.s

Objective

1.Students can describe advantages and challenges associated with being multicellular and outline independent solutions that organisms have developed to cope with the challenges of complex multicellularity . 2.Students can explain how the internal and external structures of fungi and plants function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction. 3.Students can explain the basic pathways and mechanisms of cellular communication regulating cellular behavior (cell adhesion, metabolism, proliferation, reproduction, development). 4.Students can describe how a single cell develops from one cell into many, each with different specialized functions.

Content

The lecture introduces the structural and functional specialization in fungi and plants. After providing an overview on the diversity of eukaryotic organisms, the lecture will discuss how fungi and plants have evolved structures and strategies to cope with the challenges of multicellularity. The molecular basis underlying communication, coordination and differentiation will be conveyed and complemented by key aspects of reproduction, metabolism development, and regeneration. Topics include form and function of fungi and plants, metabolism, cell signaling, adhesion, stem cells, regeneration, reproduction, and development.

Resources