Nanoscale Regulation of Cell Surface Receptors in Plants

What it is about

You learn the basics of signal transmission in plant cells and how plasma membrane nano-organization and dynamics control biological processes. Practically you acquire skills in variable-angle TIRF-microscopy, single-molecule and super-resolution imaging, as well as in bioassays to monitor plant immune responses; at the end you will be able to plan, conduct, analyze and scientifically document experiments.

What you will be able to do

Explain and apply central experimental techniques of plant cell biology
Operate a variable-angle TIRF microscopy and perform super-resolution experiments
Conduct and analyze live-cell single-molecule imaging
Process and evaluate bio-imaging data with R and Python
Carry out simple immunoblotting experiments and bioassays for immune monitoring
Critically interpret and integrate results from different methods
Document experimental procedures and results in a structured report

What the module consists of

VorlesungIntroduction to techniques and biological background (2 SWS)
Praktikum / Hands-onPractical execution of experiments in small groups (3 SWS)
Selbststudium / BerichtserstellungGuided phase for the development and submission of the individual laboratory report

Teaching method

Kurze TheorieeinheitenProvision of the necessary background before practical work
Hands-on Übungen in Kleingruppen (2 Personen)Practical application and training of laboratory and microscope techniques
Geführtes Selbststudium für BerichtConnection of theory and practice as well as training in scientific documentation

What you should already know

Grundlegende Laborfertigkeiten (Pipettieren, Puffer-/Lösungszubereitung)recommended
Grundkenntnisse zu Proteinbiologie und Fluoreszenzmikroskopierecommended

Assessment

Written examWritten testProject workReportPresentationOral examPortfolioListening comprehension

The module exam consists of two parts: a) successful completion of two practical experiments (e.g., super-resolution microscopy or immunoblotting) and b) an individual written laboratory report (5–7 pages) to be submitted two weeks after the last lab day. Report contents: biological background, central research question, methods description, results, discussion, conclusions and outlook. The grade is composed of practical performance and report in a 1:1 ratio.

Reading list

Lichtman J., Conchello J.A. - Fluorescence microscopy.
Vergish S., Wolf R., Song W.Y. - Simplified Protocol to Demonstrate Gene Expression in Nicotiana benthamiana Using an Agrobacterium-Mediated Transient Assay.
Schermelleh L., Ferrand A., Huser T. et al. - Super-resolution microscopy demystified.
Lelek M., Gyparaki M.T., Beliu G. et al. - Single-molecule localization microscopy.
DeFalco T. et al. - Molecular mechanisms of early plant pattern-triggered immune signaling.

Dates

ExerciseNanoscale Regulation of Cell Surface Receptors in Plants (UE)5 groups to choose from

ATue09:00–17:00
HU24, Seminarraum Biologie (4214.U1.024)
2× · 20.10.–27.10.
- 20.10.
- 27.10.
BThu09:00–17:00
HU24, Seminarraum Biologie (4214.U1.024)
2× · 22.10.–29.10.
- 22.10.
- 29.10.
CFri09:00–17:00
HU24, Seminarraum Biologie (4214.U1.024)
2× · 23.10.–30.10.
- 23.10.
- 30.10.
DWed09:00–17:00
HU24, Seminarraum Biologie (4214.U1.024)
2× · 21.10.–28.10.
- 21.10.
- 28.10.
EMon09:00–17:00
HU24, Seminarraum Biologie (4214.U1.024)
2× · 19.10.–26.10.
- 19.10.
- 26.10.

From the current semester, not binding. You attend one of several groups; the timetable automatically suggests the one with the fewest clashes.

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