PEPS 746/MICR 746 Plant-Bacterial Interactions
(3 Cr; alternate year in fall)
Instructor: Dr. Mohammad Arif
The course will cover molecular genetics of bacteria, molecular host-bacterial interactions and evolution. The goal of this class is to present students with a solid background in bacterial plant pathogens and symbionts, enabling them to read the current literature on plant-bacterial interactions with understanding and interest. This is a graduate course, so active participation will be expected along the way, not just during examination periods. There will be ample opportunity to discuss concepts presented in the literature as well as concepts you develop on your own as the class progresses. There are situations in which plant pathogenic and symbiotic bacteria interact with plants using some of the same mechanisms as bacteria that interact in human and animal diseases. Parallels will be sought throughout the semester, giving a broader perspective to diseases caused by bacteria as well as interactions with beneficial bacteria, interactions with insects, fungi and nematodes.
The course will cover molecular genetics of bacteria, molecular host-bacterial interactions and evolution. The goal of this class is to present students with a solid background in bacterial plant pathogens and symbionts, enabling them to read the current literature on plant-bacterial interactions with understanding and interest. This is a graduate course, so active participation will be expected along the way, not just during examination periods. There will be ample opportunity to discuss concepts presented in the literature as well as concepts you develop on your own as the class progresses. There are situations in which plant pathogenic and symbiotic bacteria interact with plants using some of the same mechanisms as bacteria that interact in human and animal diseases. Parallels will be sought throughout the semester, giving a broader perspective to diseases caused by bacteria as well as interactions with beneficial bacteria, interactions with insects, fungi and nematodes.