The course focuses on the major aspects of the basic physiological functions and the factors in relation to plant growth and development.
The topics of lecture include: 1. Water and plant cells; 2. Water balance of plants; 3. Secondary metabolites and plant defense; 4. Cell walls: Structure, biogenesis, and expansion; 5. Growth and development; 6. Phytochrome and light control of plant development; 7. Blue-light responses: Stomatal movements and morphogenesis; 8. Auxin: The growth hormone; 9. Gibberellins: Regulators of plant height; 10. Cytokinins: Regulators of cell division; 11. Ethylene: The gaseous hormone; 12. Abscisic acid: A seed maturation and antistress signal; 13. The control of flowering; 14. Stress physiology.