The course is about the biology and ecology of cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae, with particular attention to those of economical and ecological interest. We start with cyanobacteria, then endosymbiosis theory; Green and red algae and allied taxonomic groups; Ochrophyta, particularly Diatoms and brown algae, Chrysophyceae; Dinoflagellates; Euglenophyta. Toxic algae. Symbioses. Laboratory and field experience are foreseen
Knowledge Acquired: In depth knowledge of biology and ecology of cyanobacteria and algae. Competence acquired: Investigation and growth of microalgae. Capability acquired at the end of the course: evaluation of activation of investigation or production in the field of algae.
Prerequisites
None
Teaching Methods
Lessons; laboratory experience
Further information
Interactions with other courses of the degree course are considered
Type of Assessment
Written and oral examination. The written exam will be preliminary to the oral exam. The structure of the test (n. of questions, open/multiple choice) will be communicated to the students at the beginning of the course. The oral exam will start with a discussion of the results of the written test.
Course program
Photosynthetic organisms. Photosynthetic prokaryotes. Cyanobacteria: cell biology, physiology, ecology, reproduction. Eukaryotic algae phylogeny in the Protists context and endosymbiosis. Cytological, biochemical, reproductive and ecological features of eukaryotic algae. Evolution of endosymbiosis of chloroplast in the different algal phyla. Clade of primary endosymbiosis: biological features of Glaucophyta, Rhodophyta, Chlorophyta. Evolution of green algae to terrestrial plants. Clade of secondary endosymbiosis, chloroplast with three limiting membranes: biological features of Euglenophyta, Dinophyta. Clade of secondary endosymbiosis, chloroplast with four limiting membranes: Cryptophyta and heterokont algae/Ochrophyta. Heterokontophyta: biological features of Chrysophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Xanthophyceae, Phaeophyceae. Use of algae for alimentary, industrial, energy (biofuels) production. Toxic algae. Symbioses.