Ateneo - UPO

The course provides an overview of the main biochemical aspects of plants, with a particular focus on the role of plant proteins, plant enzymes and metabolic responses to environmental stresses.

The first part introduces the link between food sustainability, agri-food systems and plant-based protein sources, with an in-depth look at the biochemical composition of Cannabis sativa L. seeds, hemp seed proteins, bioactive peptides and methods of protein extraction and characterisation.

The second part is devoted to plant enzymes and their role in metabolic processes, growth, photosynthesis, mineral nutrition, the response to oxidative stress, abiotic and biotic stresses, and defence mechanisms. Examples of key enzymes such as RuBisCO, acid phosphatases, SOD, CAT, POD/POX, APX, class III peroxidases, β-1,3-glucanases, chitinases, enzymes involved in lignin biosynthesis and enzymes involved in the production of secondary metabolites will be discussed.

Main course materials: Slides and teaching materials provided by the lecturer on the DIR platform. Scientific articles and case studies discussed during the course. Recommended reading for further study: Nelson D.L., Cox M.M., Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, W.H. Freeman. Campbell, Farrell, McDougal, Biochemistry, 9th Edition.Plant Biochemistry, Birgit Piechulla, Hans-Walter Heldt, Paperback ISBN: 9780443266164 The scientific articles cited in the slides, including the case studies on hemp seed proteins, antioxidant enzymes, salt stress and the response to pathogens, provide useful material for further exploration of the topics covered.

The course aims to provide students with essential knowledge of plant biochemistry, with a particular focus on the role of plant molecules and enzymes in metabolic processes, food sustainability, the nutritional quality of plant-based sources, and the response to environmental stresses.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- describe the role of plants and plant-based sources in food sustainability;
identify the main categories of plant proteins and discuss the biochemical and nutritional value of seed proteins;
- describe the composition of Cannabis sativa L. seeds and the role of proteins and bioactive peptides;
- understand the importance of methods for the extraction and characterisation of plant proteins;
- explain the main characteristics of plant enzymes, including cellular compartmentalisation, the presence of isoenzymes and environmental regulation;
- link specific plant enzymes to metabolic, growth, defence and stress response functions;
- interpret experimental examples relating to the enzymatic response of plants to abiotic and biotic stresses.

The course is worth 1 CFU and consists of 8 hours of face-to-face lectures, supplemented by independent study of the materials provided by the lecturer.

There are no formal prerequisites.

A basic knowledge of plant biology, general chemistry and biochemistry is recommended, as it will be useful for understanding the structure and function of proteins, enzymatic activity, cellular metabolism, oxidative stress and the main mechanisms by which plants respond to their environment.

The course consists of 8 hours of face-to-face lectures.

The lectures include:
- an explanation of the fundamental concepts of plant biochemistry;
- the presentation and discussion of metabolic pathways, images, graphs and experimental data;
- a guided analysis of case studies drawn from the scientific literature;
- discussion of examples relating to plant proteins, hemp seeds, antioxidant enzymes, salt stress, biotic stress and plant-microorganism interactions;
- linking biochemical content to food sustainability, nutritional quality and plant responses to stress.

There are no in-course quizzes. Assessment of learning is based solely on the final examination.

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Difficulties (SLD) or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request specific services and resources by contacting the Career Development and Coordination and Student Services team and consulting the dedicated page on the University website:

https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studenti-disabili-e-dsa

Students with disabilities, SLDs or SEN may also contact the course lecturer to arrange, in consultation with the relevant departments, any adjustments to teaching and assessment methods.

The assessment consists of a final written examination comprising 30 multiple-choice questions on the topics covered during the course.

The questions are designed to assess:
- knowledge of the main concepts of plant biochemistry;
- understanding of the role of plant proteins and plant enzymes;
- the ability to link specific molecules or enzymes to metabolic, nutritional, growth, defence and stress response functions;
- understanding of the main biochemical mechanisms involved in the response to abiotic and biotic stresses;
- the ability to interpret simple data, graphs or experimental results presented during the course.

The examination covers all the content of the syllabus, including the case studies discussed in class. There are no in-course quizzes, mid-term exams or written assignments.

Assessment is on a scale of 30. The minimum pass mark is achieved when the student demonstrates a basic but correct understanding of the main course content, with particular reference to plant proteins, plant enzymes, oxidative stress and metabolic responses to stress.

Intermediate or good marks are awarded when the student demonstrates a solid understanding of the content, is able to correctly link enzymes, metabolic pathways and biological functions, and adequately interprets the main experimental examples discussed in class.

Excellence is achieved when the student demonstrates an in-depth and integrated understanding of the content, recognises the connections between plant biochemistry, sustainability, nutritional quality and environmental adaptation, and critically applies the knowledge acquired to the interpretation of case studies.

1. Introduction to plant biochemistry and food sustainabilityThe role of plants in agri-food systems. The environmental impact of food production. Food sustainability and sustainable diets. The relationship between plant-based sources, food security, nutrition and sustainability.2. Plant proteinsClassification of the main plant protein sources: cereals, pulses, oilseeds, nuts, pseudocereals, tubers and other plant sources. Nutritional value, protein composition, digestibility and bioactive potential of plant proteins.3. Cannabis sativa L. and hemp seedsGeneral characteristics of Cannabis sativa L. Biochemical composition of hemp seeds: lipid fraction, carbohydrates, fibre and proteins. Omega-6/omega-3 ratio. Role of hemp seeds as a source of nutrients and bioactive compounds.4. Proteins and peptides in hemp seedsMajor proteins in hemp seeds: edestin, vicilin C72 and albumins. Rich in essential amino acids and sulphur-containing amino acids. Protein digestibility. Bioactive peptides and possible biological effects: antioxidant, antiproliferative, cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities.5. Extraction and characterisation of plant proteinsImportance of choosing the extraction method. Relationship between the extraction method, the protein fraction obtained and the interpretation of experimental results. Case studies on hemp seed proteins, growing environment, cultivars, protein composition and antioxidant capacity.6. General characteristics of plant enzymesPlant enzymes as central elements of metabolism, agriculture, the food industry and biotechnology. Cellular compartmentalisation in chloroplasts, mitochondria, peroxisomes, vacuoles, the apoplast, the cell wall and the cytosol. Isoenzymes, gene families, tissue specificity, environmental regulation and the role of enzymes in metabolism and signalling.7. Plant enzymes in metabolic processes and growthRuBisCO and CO₂ fixation in the Calvin cycle. Peptidyl transferases and protein synthesis. Acid phosphatases and phosphorus assimilation. HSP70/HSP90 chaperones and proteome protection under stress conditions. Cell wall enzymes and their role in elongation, lignification and defence.8. Antioxidant enzymes and abiotic stressDefinition of abiotic stress: water deficiency or excess, extreme temperatures, salinity, nutrient deficiencies or excesses, light and pollution. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Role of SOD, CAT, POD/POX, APX and glutathione reductase in ROS detoxification. Enzymatic responses to salt stress and differences between tolerant and sensitive cultivars.9. Plant enzymes and biotic stressDefinition of biotic stress. Role of pathogens, parasites, insects, nematodes and competition with other plants. PR proteins, β-1,3-glucanases, chitinases and peroxidases. Local and systemic defence responses. Oxidative burst, RBOH/NADPH oxidase, apoplastic SOD and cell wall peroxidases.10. Lignification, secondary metabolites and defenceEnzymes involved in lignin biosynthesis: PAL, C4H, 4CL, CCR, CAD, POD and laccases. Role of lignin in cell wall rigidity, mechanical strength and defence against pathogens. Enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, including phenols, terpenes, alkaloids, phytoalexins and antioxidant compounds.11. Experimental case studiesAnalysis of case studies concerning:protein extraction from hemp seeds;the biochemical composition of Cannabis sativa L. seeds grown in different environments;protein fingerprinting and antioxidant capacity in relation to cultivar and environment;the antioxidant enzymatic response to salt stress in rice;the induction of PR enzymes and the reduction of disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae through growth-promoting rhizobacteria.

Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course, students should be familiar with and understand:
- the essential principles of plant biochemistry;
- the role of plants in food sustainability;
- the main plant-based protein sources and their biochemical and nutritional value;
- the biochemical composition of hemp seeds;
- the main classes of bioactive plant proteins and peptides;
- the general characteristics of plant enzymes;
- the role of key enzymes in metabolic processes, growth and defence;
- the main biochemical mechanisms of response to abiotic and biotic stresses.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
Students should be able to:
- link the biochemical composition of a plant source to its nutritional and functional value;
- interpret the role of extraction methods in the characterisation of plant proteins;
- associate specific plant enzymes with their respective metabolic functions;
- distinguish between plants’ enzymatic responses to abiotic and biotic stresses;
- interpret simple data or experimental results relating to enzymatic activities, oxidative stress, plant proteins and plant defence.

Independent judgement
Students should be able to critically evaluate the role of plant proteins, peptides and enzymes in metabolic processes, nutritional quality, food sustainability and the plant response to stress.

Communication skills
Students must be able to use the scientific terminology of plant biochemistry correctly and clearly describe the main biochemical processes covered in the course.

Learning skills
Students must be able to use slides, teaching materials and scientific articles to independently explore topics relating to plant proteins, plant enzymes, oxidative stress and plant adaptation to the environment.