19 december 2025

Self-study module Introduction to Plant Biology - Plant nutrients

This self-study module is part of the series ‘Introduction to Plant Biology’ and introduces plant nutrients and their essential roles in plant growth and development. It is designed for students studying basic plant biology and for teachers seeking clear explanations and illustrative figures for educational use. The module explores the distinction between macronutrients and micronutrients, provides examples of key nutrients, and explains how plants respond to different types of nutrient deficiencies. In addition, it addresses how nutrient management practices in agriculture are used to prevent deficiencies and reduce yield losses.

19 december 2025

Self-study module Introduction to Plant Biology - Abiotic stress

This self-study module is part of the series ‘Introduction to Plant Biology’ and introduces abiotic stress in plants and explains how plants cope with and adapt to challenging environmental conditions. It is designed for students learning basic plant biology and for teachers seeking clear figures and explanations for educational use. The module covers key abiotic stresses - heat, cold, flooding, drought, salinity, and high light intensity - and examines the physiological, structural, and adaptive strategies plants use to survive and grow under these conditions.

19 december 2025

Self-study module Introduction to Plant Biology - Water in plants

This self-study module is part of the series ‘Introduction to Plant Biology’ and focuses on the role of water in plants, explaining how water is taken up, transported, and regulated to support plant growth and survival. It is designed for students learning basic plant biology and for teachers seeking clear figures and explanations for educational use. The module covers water uptake by roots, long-distance water transport through the xylem and phloem, the relationship between stomata and transpiration, and examines how environmental factors influence these processes.

19 december 2025

Self-study module Introduction to Plant Biology - Photosynthesis light-independent reaction

This self-study module is part of the series ‘Introduction to Plant Biology’ and focuses on the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis, the Calvin cycle. It is designed for students studying basic plant biology and for teachers seeking clear explanations and illustrative figures for educational use. The module explains how plants convert carbon dioxide into sugars, the role of rubisco in carbon fixation, and the process of photorespiration. Students explore how photosynthesis is linked to stomatal function, how plants have adapted to extreme environmental conditions through C₄ and CAM photosynthesis, and how sugars are converted into starch for energy storage and the role of source-sink relationships. Finally, the module connects photosynthesis to plant respiration and overall energy balance.

1 augustus 2016

The Biobased Economy (introductory modules of societal aspects)