The Physiology and Biochemistry of Plants aims at an understanding of the causal relationship between genetic processes on the molecular level and the ecological and developmental performance of the plants. Our teaching programme imparts knowledge on the various levels of biological complexicity from the dynamic structure molecules to the function of tissues and organisms.

The department Bio IV exists since 1976. Until 1997, Professor emeritus Wolfgang Kowallik was head of the unit, since 1997, the chair is held by Professor Karl-Josef Dietz. Presently, 18 scientists (postdocs and PhD students), six diploma and bachelor students, three trainies and four technicians are involved in the five fields of research interest of the department.