BIOCHIMICA VEGETALE

Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: LUCA VANELLA

Expected Learning Outcomes

To provide knowledge about primary and secondary metabolism in plants and its importance in physiological regulation. Provide specific knowledge of biochemistry applied to the study of the response of plants to hormones and biotic and abiotic stresses. In particular, and with reference to the so-called Dublin Descriptors, the course aims to provide the following knowledge and skills.

Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student will know, from a biochemical perspective, the main primary and secondary metabolites of plants and microorganisms, their impact on plant productivity and any pharmacological and nutritional use.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
Individual and group exercises, aimed at verifying the understanding of the concepts included in the course.

Autonomy of judgment
Administration of ongoing training tests aimed at self-assessment of the understanding and learning of already completed teaching units; conscious evaluation of teaching.

Communication skills
The student will strengthen the technical language of biochemistry and communication skills through interactions with the teacher and colleagues during the course.

Learning ability
The student will be able to update and expand their knowledge by independently drawing on texts, scientific articles and online platforms

Course Structure

The course includes 42 hours of frontal lessons. To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and / or dispensatory measures, based on the didactic objectives and specific needs.
It is also possible to contact prof. Santina Chiechio , referent teacher for CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and / or SLD) of the Department.

Required Prerequisites

Knowledge of Biology and General Biochemistry.

Attendance of Lessons


Textbook Information

1- Buchanan B.B., Gruissem W e Jones R.L -Biochimica e Biologia Molecolare delle Piante- Zanichelli.

2- Pinton, Cocucci, Nannipieri, Trevisan- Fondamenti di biochimica agraria- Patron Editore

3- Maffei – Biochimica vegetali – Piccin

4- Raven, Evert, Eichhorn – Biologia delle piante - Zanichelli

5 -Taiz, Zeiger – Fisiologia vegetale – Piccin

6 - Paul M.Dewick – Chimica, Biosintesi e Bioattività delle Sostanze Naturali- PICCIN

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

The exam will be written with multiple choice. The test will focus exclusively on the topics covered in class. The type of exercises of the exam will be addressed during the course. Exam dates will be published on the Department website.

Failed Examination:
The student does not possess the minimum knowledge required of the fundamental contents of the course and does not demonstrate a sufficient level of preparation to recognize, understand, and apply the main concepts and principles covered in the examination.

Grade 18–21:
The student demonstrates a minimum and predominantly factual knowledge of the main contents of the course. They are able to recognize the fundamental concepts and identify the correct answers in the simplest situations that are directly related to the topics covered, showing limited ability to understand and apply the knowledge acquired.

Grade 22–25:
The student demonstrates a fair knowledge of the main contents of the course, although this knowledge is not always in-depth. They are able to understand and apply the knowledge acquired in situations of moderate complexity and identify the correct solution in most of the questions, demonstrating a fair ability to analyze and integrate information.

Grade 26–28:
The student demonstrates good knowledge of the course contents and an adequate ability to understand their underlying principles and relationships. They are able to integrate and apply the knowledge acquired to situations and problems of greater complexity, independently identifying solutions to the questions posed that are generally correct, and demonstrating good critical analytical skills.

Grade 29–30 and distinction (cum laude):
The student demonstrates an in-depth and comprehensive knowledge of the course contents, together with a full ability to understand, integrate, and apply the knowledge acquired. They are able to promptly and correctly analyze even complex situations and problems, independently identifying the appropriate solution and demonstrating well-developed critical reasoning skills. Distinction (cum laude) is awarded in the presence of excellent, comprehensive, and particularly solid preparation, characterized by a high degree of accuracy in the answers and full mastery of the course contents.

Assessment of learning may also be conducted remotely, should circumstances require it. The examination covers exclusively the topics addressed during lectures. The types of exercises included in the examination will be practiced during the course. Examination dates are published on the website of the Department of Drug and Health Sciences.

Information for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD):
To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, students concerned may request an individual consultation in order to arrange any appropriate compensatory and/or exemption measures, based on the learning objectives and their specific needs. Students may also contact the CInAP faculty coordinator (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration – Services for Students with Disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders) of our Department, Prof. Chiechio.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

The biosynthesis of fatty acids in plants takes place:

A. In the cytosol.

B. In glyoxisomes.

C. In peroxisomes.

D. In plastids.