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Updated in [September 27th, 2023]

What does this course tell?
(Please note that the following overview content is from the original platform)This free online biology course introduces you to the creation and development of the root and shoot systems in plants. We lay out the major steps taken during root development and explain how the establishment of the root apical meristem is dependent on the specification of a stem cell niche and the subsequent development of the quiescent centre at the presumptive root pole. We break down the regulation of the transcription factors involved in root growth and stem cell maintenance. We establish how asymmetric cell division produces two ‘daughter’ cells with different cellular fates and how the cortex’s endodermis initial cell generates two ground tissues. This includes the role of transcription factors in contributing to the sequential development of vascular tissues. We investigate how the xylem and phloem tissues occur together in vascular bundles in each organ of the plant and examine the role of vascular tissues in facilitating the transportation of water, minerals and food throughout the plant.
The course then breaks down the concept of ‘root branching’ and analyzes lateral root development. We demonstrate how auxin signalling regulates lateral root development through the transcriptional regulation of the key components involved in the developmental process. We then show you how the shoot apical meristem generates above-ground aerial organs throughout the life of higher plants. The course highlights how organogenesis is the result of organ formation through dedifferentiation of differentiated cells and reorganization of cell division to create a particular organ. We demonstrate the process of deriving the lateral organs of the plants from the flanks of apical meristems and their inherent positional relationship. We then investigate how leaves grow by distinct phases that are controlled by the gene regulatory networks and affected by many transcription factors. 
Finally, we lay out the developmental change in a plant's life cycle that is marked by the floral transition. The course establishes how a photoreceptor may regulate flowering time in response to different photoperiods through its regulation of the circadian clock. We identify various types of genes that participate in the specification of floral organ identity. The course outlines how plant cells communicate to coordinate their activities in response to changing light and temperature conditions that guide their growth cycle. We also explain how plasmodesmata connect cells to form a communication network within plants. The course unpacks such concepts and teaches you basic botanical lab techniques. We investigate the biological and physical methods used to transform explants into regenerated calluses. This informative course suits anyone interested in plant sciences, botany, biotechnology or agriculture. It can help students find their path forward or refresh the knowledge of seasoned professionals.

We considered the value of this course from many aspects, and finally summarized it for you from two aspects: skills and knowledge, and the people who benefit from it:
(Please note that our content is optimized through artificial intelligence tools and carefully reviewed by our editorial staff.)
What skills and knowledge will you acquire during this course?
During this course on Developmental Biology - Root and Shoot Growth, learners will acquire the following skills and knowledge:

1. Understanding the major steps involved in root development, including the establishment of the root apical meristem and the development of the quiescent centre.
2. Knowledge of the regulation of transcription factors involved in root growth and stem cell maintenance.
3. Understanding how asymmetric cell division leads to the differentiation of daughter cells with different fates and the generation of ground tissues.
4. Knowledge of the sequential development of vascular tissues and the role of transcription factors in this process.
5. Understanding the occurrence of xylem and phloem tissues in vascular bundles and their role in transporting water, minerals, and food throughout the plant.
6. Understanding the concept of root branching and the regulation of lateral root development through auxin signaling.
7. Knowledge of how the shoot apical meristem generates above-ground aerial organs in higher plants.
8. Understanding the process of organogenesis and the derivation of lateral organs from apical meristems.
9. Knowledge of the gene regulatory networks and transcription factors involved in leaf growth.
10. Understanding the floral transition in a plant's life cycle and the regulation of flowering time by photoreceptors and the circadian clock.
11. Knowledge of the genes involved in the specification of floral organ identity.
12. Understanding how plant cells communicate and coordinate their activities in response to changing light and temperature conditions.
13. Knowledge of basic botanical lab techniques, including the transformation of explants into regenerated calluses.
14. Application of the acquired knowledge in plant sciences, botany, biotechnology, or agriculture.
Who will benefit from this course?
This course on Developmental Biology - Root and Shoot Growth will benefit individuals interested in plant sciences, botany, biotechnology, or agriculture. It is suitable for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of plant development and growth processes. Professionals in these fields can also benefit from this course as it provides a refresher on the topic and updates them on the latest research and techniques in the field. The course covers various aspects of root and shoot development, including the establishment of stem cell niches, regulation of transcription factors, asymmetric cell division, vascular tissue development, lateral root development, shoot apical meristem, organogenesis, leaf growth, floral transition, and plant cell communication.

Course Syllabus

Root Development

Shoot Development

Course assessment