Plant Anatomy

Plant Anatomy

The branch of botany concerned with the internal structure of plants. It deals both with mature structures and with their origin and development.

The emergence of the field of plant anatomy is closely related to the invention and perfection of the microscope. The English physicist Robert Hooke observed in 1665 the cellular structure of thin slices of cork, elder pith, and wood from various plants, using a microscope of his own improved design.

The basic method used in plant anatomy, or the study of internal plant structure, is the preparation of thin slices which are studied microscopically. From this the science “derives its name (in Greek, anatomë means “dissection”). Anatomical research is carried out to answer questions regarding the origin of plants and to provide information about the effect of external conditions on various agricultural crops. Such research also helps to solve many problems in fields other than biology and agronomy, such as technology, the history of culture, criminology, and a number of branches of industry—food, furniture, pharmaceuticals, cellulose-paper production, and so forth. For example, plant anatomy offers a means of detecting the presence of impurities in flour through the use of microscopic study of starch grains; it can also be used to determine the species and condition of medicinal raw material. 

Weeks

Course Contents

Dates

1

The plant body and its development:  fundamental parts  of  the  plant body, internal organization, different tissue systems of primary and secondary body.

 

2

Meristematic tissues: classification, cytohistological characteristics, initials and their derivatives.

 

3

Apical meristem: Delimitation, different growth zones, evolution of the concept of apical organization. Shoot and root apices

 

4

Leaf: types, origin, internal organization, development of different tissues with special reference to mesophyll, venation, bundle-sheaths and bundle-sheath extensions. Enlargement of epidermal cells.

 

5

Vascular cambium: Origin, structure, storied and non-storied cell types, types of divisions:  additive  and  multiplicative;  cytoplasmic  characteristics

 

6

seasonal activity  and  its  role  in  the  secondary  growth  of  root  and  stem.  Abnormal secondary growth

 

7

Origin, structure, development, functional and evolutionary specialization of the following   tissues:   Epidermis   and   epidermal   emergences  

 

8

Origin, structure, development, functional and evolutionary specialization of the following   tissues:   Parenchyma, Collenchyma

 

9

Mid Term Examinations

 

10

Origin, structure, development, functional and evolutionary specialization of the following   tissues: Sclerenchyma, Xylem, Phloem with special emphasis on different types of woods, Periderm.

 

11

Secretory tissues: Laticifers (classification, distribution, development

 

12

Secretory tissues: Laticifers (structural characteristics, functions)

 

13

Resin Canals, Anatomy of reproductive parts: Flower

 

14

Anatomy of reproductive parts  b.  Seed         c.  Fruit

 

15

Economic aspects of applied plant anatomy

 

16

Anatomical adaptations

 

17

Molecular markers in tree species used for wood identification

 

18

Final Term Examinations

 

Evaluation Criteria

Sessional+Presentations:         15

Practicals:                                  25

Mid Term Exam:                        15

Final exam:                                45

Course Material

Other Courses by Mr. Abdul Majid