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Upon completing the course, the student will be able to define the concepts of chemical ecology, semiochemicals, pheromones, juvenile hormones, plant toxins, induced plant defense, plant insecticides, allelopathy, and others. The student will recognize a range of natural substances produced by plants, animals, and microorganisms that have an ecological function and/or a physiological effect. The student will describe research methods used in chemical ecology that lead both to the elucidation of the chemical structure and to the demonstration of the biological activity of natural substances. The student will briefly explain or justify ecological connections and mutual relationships between organisms. The student will estimate which biosynthetic pathways are used to synthesize natural substances in living organisms.
Last update: Kyjaková Pavlína, Mgr., Ph.D. (26.08.2026)
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Introduction to Ecological Biochemistry. J. B. Harborne, 4th Edition, Academic Press, London 1994. Procházka S., Šebánek J.. Regulátory rostlinného růstu. Academia, Praha 1997. Karban R., Baldwin I. T.: Induced Responses to Herbivory. University of Chicago Press, Chicago 1997. Methods in Chemical Ecology. Vol. 1. Chemical Methods. J. Millar & K. F. Haynes, Kluwer Academic Publishers, London 1998, second printing 2000. Methods in Chemical Ecology. Vol. 2. Bioassay Methods. J. Millar & K. F. Haynes, Kluwer Academic Publishers, London 1998, second printing 2000. Biosynthesis in Insects. E. D. Morgan, RSC, Cambridge, 2004. Chemical Aspects of Biosynthesis. J. Mann, Oxford University Press, 1994, reprinted 2006. Last update: Nesměrák Karel, doc. RNDr., Ph.D. (28.10.2019)
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The exam is written (the test consists of approximately 15 open- and closed-ended questions, plus sub-questions). The requirements for the written test are based on the scope of the lectures. A sample test is provided to students at the end of the lecture series. To successfully pass the written test, a minimum score of 60% is required.
Last update: Kyjaková Pavlína, Mgr., Ph.D. (26.08.2026)
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Lesson 1: Chemical ecology – definition of the term; semiochemicals – pheromones, kairomones, defensive substances; classification, examples of structural types, practical applications of pheromones Lesson 2: Sample preparation methods (isolation) in chemical ecology; methods for identification and structural determination of compounds; methods for testing the biological activity of natural compounds Lesson 3: Examples of pheromones in social insects, colony organization; pheromones of the species Homo sapiens; examples of pheromone syntheses Lesson 4: Natural pigments (Part 1) – carotenoids, quinones, flavonoids; methods for testing the biological activity of natural compounds Lesson 5: Natural pigments (Part 2) – pyrrole pigments, pterins, melanins; chemistry of pollination, flower colors and floral scents, constituents of nectar and pollen; signals of host plants; feeding attractants (phagostimulants) and insect deterrents, oviposition stimulants Lesson 6: Food preferences of vertebrates and humans; chemical basis of tastes and sensations (sweetness, pungency, bitterness); plant toxins (non-nitrogenous) – functions, structural classification, examples Lesson 7: Alkaloids – classification according to structural types, occurrence, and biological effects Lesson 8: Induced plant defense – “SOS” signals; allelopathy, plant and synthetic herbicides; phytoalexins and pathotoxins; plant and synthetic fungicides Lesson 9: Plant compounds as models for synthetic insecticides, repellents, and chemosterilants; regulators of insect growth, development, and reproduction; insect hormones; juvenoids, juvenogens, antijuvenoids, ecdysteroids; plant growth regulators Lessons 10–11: Antibiotics – classification according to mechanism of action, structure, spectrum of activity, and method of application Last update: Kyjaková Pavlína, Mgr., Ph.D. (26.08.2026)
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| The course does not include work placement |