B. Sc SEM I (Major)

 Botany Major 

1st Semester

 Title of the Course: Algae, Fungi, Bryophyte &Pteridophyte 

 Course Code: BOTC1 

 Nature of the Course: MAJOR/CORE COURSE I 

 Total Credits: 04 

 Distribution of Marks: 80 (End Sem) (60T+20P) + 20 (In-Sem) 

COURSE OBJECTIVES: The objective of this course is to provide knowledge to the students on various forms of algae, fungi, bryophytes and pteridophytes - their characteristics, mode of reproduction and economic importance.

Unit 1-

Introduction to Algae: Classification system of Fritsch, and Basic concept of evolutionary classification viz. Lee; General characteristics; range of thallus organization; cell structure; pigment system, reserve food, methods of reproduction. Role of algae in the environment, agriculture, biotechnology and industry. 

Study of major divisions of Algae: Comparative study of Characteristics; Occurrence; Mode of reproduction; Morphology and life cycles of Volvox, Oedogonium, Chara, Ectocarpus, Anabaena and Polysiphonia. Diatoms and its importance.

Unit 2-

Introduction to fungi: 

Salient features; Classification; Thallus organization; Cell wall composition; Nutrition; Classification. Mycorrhiza (Ectomycorrhiza, Endomycorrhiza and their significance); Lichen: Classification& Economic Importance.

Study of major divisions of fungi: General characteristics of Chytridiomycota, Zygomycota, Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Oomycota: asexual and sexual fruiting bodies; Life cycle of Phytophthora, Saccharomyces, Penicillium, Paccinia, Peziza, Agaricus. Economic importance of fungi. 

Unit 3-

Bryophytes: General features; classification; thallus organization; morphology, anatomy and reproduction of Marchantia, Anthoceros, Sphagnum; Reproduction and evolutionary trends in bryophytes. Ecological and economic importance of bryophytes. 

Unit 4-

Pteridophytes: Classification, morphology, anatomy and reproduction of Psilotum, Selaginella, Equisetum and Ophioglossum, Marselia. Heterospory,stelar evolution; Ecological and economic importance.

Practical-

1. Study of vegetative and reproductive structures of Nostoc, Chlamydomonas (electron micrographs),     Volvox, Oedogonium, Coleochaete, Chara, Vaucheria, Ectocarpus, Fucus and Polysiphonia, through         electron micrographs, temporary preparations and permanent slides. 

2. Study of vegetative and reproductive structures of Phytophthora, Albugo, Saccharomyces,  

     Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Peziza. 

3. Study of vegetative and reproductive structures of Riccia, Marchantia, Anthoceros, Sphagnum,

    Funaria and Polytrichum 

 4. Study of vegetative and reproductive structures of Selaginella, Equisetum and Ophioglossium,

     Marselia