BOT: DSC-253 Practical-II

Credits: 4 | Marks: 100

Table of Contents

1. Archegoniate: Morphological and Reproductive Studies
2. Genetics, Molecular Biology & Plant Breeding
3. Economic Botany: Identification and Chemical Tests
4. Plant Systematics: Floral Characterization
5. Submission, Field Study, and Viva-Voce

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.