PLSCI 6010

Molecular Biology of Plant-Microbe Interactions

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

The co-evolutionary molecular battle between microbial pathogens and plants has game-like properties whose rules are emerging from recent genomic, biochemical, and cell biological advances. This course explores the molecular pieces and collective behaviors of pathogen virulence and plant immune systems, similarities between interaction mechanisms in plant and animal pathosystems, and the application of this knowledge to sustainable agriculture. The course emphasizes the development of professional skills, such as the management of scientific literature, creative design and critical evaluation of research, and communication of complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

Prerequisites background equivalent to: PLSCI 3010 or PLSCI 2025; BIOMG 2800 or BIOMG 3320 or BIOMG 3350.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2026SP, 2025SP, 2024SP, 2023SP

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the different players involved in pathogen virulence and plant defense, their underlying molecular mechanisms, and experimental approaches used to investigate these interactions.
• Compare and contrast molecular mechanisms underlying interactions in plant and animal pathosystems.
• Explain how knowledge of molecular plant-microbe interactions can be applied to agriculture.
• Analyze and interpret research findings from the primary literature on molecular plant-microbe interactions and effectively communicate scientific findings and conclusions.
• Evaluate the scientific merit and feasibility of proposed research, provide constructive critiques, and justify evidence-based funding recommendations.

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