This course is a combination of plant physiology and plant development. It examines the mechanisms that allow plants to grow and respond to their environment. Selected topics include: light responses, hormone physiology, plant-microbe interactions, drought and salt tolerance, and meristem function. Frequent discussions of original research papers emphasize the molecular aspects of these processes. In the laboratory, students will be introduced to cDNA microarray technology and will be responsible for designing and conducting novel experiments using gene chips to explore plant responses. Format: lecture/laboratory, six hours a week. Evaluation will be based on problem sets, lab reports, hour exams and a final exam. Prerequisites: Biology 202. Enrollment limit: 20 (expected: 10). Preference to Biology majors. Satisfies distribution requirement in major.