BOT: DSC-253 Practical-II
Credits: 4 | Marks: 100
Table of Contents
1. Archegoniate: Morphological and Reproductive Studies
This section involves the identification and microscopic study of vegetative and reproductive structures through temporary and permanent slides.
Bryophytes
- Genera to Study: Marchantia, Anthoceros, Sphagnum, and Polytrichum.
- Focus: Observation of thallus organization, sex organs (antheridia/archegonia), and sporophyte structures.
Pteridophytes
- Genera to Study: Psilotum, Lycopodium, Selaginella, and Marsilea.
- Focus: Internal and external anatomy of vegetative parts and reproductive organs (sporangia/strobili).
Gymnosperms
- Genera to Study: Cycas, Pinus, and Gnetum.
- Focus: Study of vegetative anatomy (e.g., coralloid roots, needle anatomy) and reproductive structures like male and female cones.
2. Genetics, Molecular Biology & Plant Breeding
Practical application of theoretical genetic principles and molecular techniques.
Classical Genetics and Human Traits
- Mendelian Genetics: Verification of laws using seed ratios (e.g., 3:1 or 9:3:3:1).
- Aneuploidy: Study of chromosomal disorders including Down's, Klinefelter's, and Turner's syndromes using photographs.
- Human Genetic Traits: Observation of traits such as Sickle cell anemia, Xeroderma pigmentosum, Albinism, Color blindness, Widow's peak, Rolling tongue, and attached ear lobes.
Molecular Biology Techniques
- DNA Isolation: Extraction of genomic DNA from plant tissues and bacteria.
- Replication and Transcription: Visual study of mechanisms (rolling circle, theta replication) and RNA polymerase through photographs.
Plant Breeding
- Emasculation: Practicing the removal of anthers from bisexual flowers (e.g., Datura or Pea) to prevent self-pollination.
- Hybridization: Demonstration and practice of crossing techniques.
3. Economic Botany: Identification and Chemical Tests
Study of plants and plant products with high commercial value through morphological observation and micro-chemical tests.
| Plant Group | Focus of Study | Specific Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Cereals | Useful parts, habit sketch, and grain morphology. | Rice (grain micro-chemical tests). |
| Legumes | Habit sketch, fruit (pod), and seed structure. | Various Beans. |
| Beverages | Identification of vegetative characters. | Tea and Coffee. |
| Oils & Fats | Habit sketch and micro-chemical tests. | Mustard, Coconut, and Groundnut. |
| Industrial/Medicinal | Tapping models, plant specimens, or photographs. | Rubber, Fiber-yielding, and Medicinal plants. |
4. Plant Systematics: Floral Characterization
Detailed morphological study of locally available angiospermic plants.
- Families to Study: Fabaceae, Solanaceae, Lamiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Acanthaceae, Musaceae, and Poaceae.
- Requirement: Assigning systematic positions according to the Bentham and Hooker system.
5. Submission, Field Study, and Viva-Voce
Final requirements for completing the practical evaluation.
- Herbarium: Submission of at least 05 wild plant species correctly labeled and mounted.
- Field Visit: Participation in an excursion to a forest area or research institute (e.g., Botanical Garden, BSI, Rice Research Institute) followed by a detailed Field Report submission.
- Practical Record: Submission of a laboratory notebook covering all experiments.
- Viva-Voce: Oral examination covering the entire practical and theory syllabus.
Exam Tips & Guidelines
- Drawing: Ensure all morphological sketches are clear and labeled. In systematics, the floral formula and diagram are mandatory for full marks.
- Chemical Tests: For grains and pulses, remember that iodine is used to test for starch and Biuret or Xanthoproteic tests for proteins.
- Herbarium Accuracy: Ensure your labels include the Botanical name, Family, Locality, and Date of Collection.
- Identification: For Archegoniates, focus on "identifying characters" that distinguish one genus from another (e.g., the sporophyte shape in Anthoceros).
Note: This paper emphasizes practical skills in herbarium preparation and institutional visits to broaden understanding of biodiversity and botanical research.