Structure and Function of Woody Plants

This course offers the student a comprehensive overviewof how plants acquire essential resources and how these resources are employed to sustain growth and survival.Ecological, evolutionary and technological aspects are highlighted.The first part of the course is focused on essential anatomical aspects, andthe second one on physiological ones. Theory classes are combined with lab practices where different plant tissues are viewed under magnification, seedlings are grown hydroponically to analyze the effects of nutrient deficiencies and several physiologicalparameters, such as chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll content or leaf water potential are measured. The course has been designed to provide a better understanding of howenvironmental factors influence plants? growth. Numerous examples taken from mostcited journals and results obtained by our research group are used to illustrate key concepts and promote discussion in theory classes.