Chair of Plant Physiology

In the Chair of Plant Physiology, the staff is conducting research related to the response of plants to abiotic and biotic stress factors. The studies include both changes in selected metabolites, as well as the intensity of photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, stomatal conductivity and chlorophyll a fluorescence. The research concerns the effect of ozone, herbicides, allelopathic effects, heavy metals and salinity on plant growth and development.

In addition, research is being conducted on the synthesis of five- and six-membered heterocyclic compounds with potential biological activity. The crystal and molecular structures of the obtained compounds and the relationships between their structure and biological activity are studied. The new compounds obtained are checked for their suitability to combat pathogenic microorganisms. Work is also underway to develop methods for extracting polyphenolic acids from plant material and to study their properties. Important issues in the area of interest of our employees are selected aspects of biochemistry and physiology of stress in plants caused by ozone, herbicides or lack of water. An important area of activity of the Chemistry Laboratory is the appropriate course of the didactic process. Didactic classes for students are conducted in the form of lectures, laboratory and auditorium exercises.

In addition, research is also conducted on the genetic variability of Paramecium bursaria based on molecular methods (ARDRA-riboprinting analysis, ITS1-5,8-ITS2-5’LSU rDNA fragment sequences, mitochondrial COI gene sequences and histone H4 gene sequences). Research conducted here is covering the physiology of symbiotic relationships created by autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms (including Paramecium bursaria ciliates and Chlorella sp. algae) and their responses to various environmental factors.