Plant Biochemistry

Course Structure | Module II & III

Module I: Applied Biochemistry in Horticulture Systems

Section 1: Role of Biochemistry in Crop Productivity and Quality

  • Unit 1: Biochemical Processes Underlying Productivity
  • Unit 2: Biochemical Determinants of Quality

Section 2: Biochemical Basis of Horticultural Traits

Section 2: Biochemical Interpretation of Horticultural Performance

Module II: Molecular Foundations of Plant Cells

Section 1: Carbohydrates

Section 2: Lipids

Section 2: Nucleic acids

Section 2: proteins

Module III: Primary Metabolism

Section 1: Carbohydrate Metabolism

  • Unit 1: Photosynthesis Pathways (C3, C4, CAM)
  • Unit 2: Glycolysis, TCA Cycle, Pentose Phosphate Pathway
  • Unit 3: Starch and Sucrose Biosynthesis

Section 2: Nitrogen & Amino Acid Metabolism

  • Unit 1: Nitrogen Assimilation in Plants
  • Unit 2: Amino Acid Biosynthesis & Regulation
  • Unit 3: Protein Metabolism and Enzyme Function

Section 3: Lipid Metabolism

  • Unit 1: Fatty Acid Biosynthesis
  • Unit 2: Triacylglycerols and Membrane Lipids
  • Unit 3: Lipid Signaling in Plant Stress Response

Module III: Secondary Metabolism & Plant Signaling

Section 1: Secondary Metabolites

  • Unit 1: Phenolics (Flavonoids, Tannins, Lignin)
  • Unit 2: Alkaloids and Terpenoids
  • Unit 3: Role of Secondary Metabolites in Plant Defense

Module IV: Biochemical Responses to Abiotic Stress (Weeks 8–10)

  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and detoxification pathways
  • Antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic defense systems
  • Osmolyte biosynthesis and stress-induced metabolic adjustments
  • Biochemical markers of nutrient deficiency
  • Metabolic adaptation to drought and heat stress

Section 2: Plant Hormones & Signal Transduction

  • Unit 1: Auxins, Gibberellins, Cytokinins, Ethylene
  • Unit 2: Signal Transduction Pathways
  • Unit 3: Hormonal Regulation of Growth & Stress Responses

Section 3: Applied Biochemistry in Horticulture

  • Unit 1: Quality Improvement of Fruits & Vegetables
  • Unit 2: Stress Biochemistry & Crop Adaptation
  • Unit 3: Linking Biochemical Knowledge to Field Practices

MOdule V: Postharvest Biochemistry

  • Fruit ripening metabolism
  • Chromatography (HPLC, GC)
  • Ethylene biochemistry
  • Pigment, sugar, and metabolite quantification methods
  • Respiration & climacteric behavior
  • Enzymatic softening
  • Browning reactions
  • Storage biochemistry
  • Cold injury & oxidative damage

Module VI: Applied Biochemical Analytical Techniques (Weeks 13–14)

  • Principles of spectrophotometry and absorbance-based quantification
  • Chromatography (HPLC, GC)
  • Enzyme activity assays and kinetic analysis
  • Pigment, sugar, and metabolite quantification methods
  • Metabolomics introduction
  • Interpretation of biochemical data in crop systems
  • Field biochemical indicators

Week 15