SEM II (Minor)

 Title of the Course : Morphology and Reproduction of Spermatophytes 
Nature of course : Minor-II Course code :
Total Credits : 04 
Distribution of Marks: 60+40=100

Course outcomes:

1) Describe different groups of gymnosperms and angiosperms 

2) Examine the morphology and reproductive processes in gymnosperms and angiosperms    

    Characteristics

3) Analyze the interrelationship among different species and genera of gymnosperms and angiosperms 

Learning Outcomes:

1) understand the various groups in gymnosperms and angiosperms 

2) compare various various groups in gymnosperms and angiosperms based on morphology and reproduction 

3) examine the reproductive structure in various groups in gymnosperms and angiosperms

Unit-1. Gymnosperms (8 lectures)

General characteristics, classification, morphology, anatomy and reproduction of Cycas, Pinus, Ginkgo and Gnetum; Patterns of embryo development in gymnosperms. Ecological and economic importance.

Unit. 2. Fossil plants (6 lectures) 

Process of fossilization; early land plants (Psilophyton and Rhynia), Cycadeoidea, Sphenophyllum, Geological time scale, importance of fossil study. 

Unit. 3. Morphology of Angiosperms (7 lectures)

Morphology and types of root, stem, and leaves phyllotaxy and venation, hairs and trichomes, inflorescence and its types; aestivation. Arrangement and types of reproductive parts of flower, placentation and its types. 

Unit. 4. Anther and pollen biology (8 lectures)

Anther wall: structure and functions, microsporogenesis, callose deposition and its significance microgametogenesis; pollen wall structure, MGU (male germ unit) structure, NPC system; palynology and scope (a brief account); pollen wall proteins; pollen viability, storage and germination.

Unit 5: Ovule (6 lectures)

Structure and types of ovule; female gametophyte– megasporogenesis (monosporic, bisporic and tetrasporic) and megagametogenesis. 

Unit 6: Pollination, fertilization and post fertilization developments (10 lectures)

Pollination types and significance; adaptations for pollination; Double fertilization; Structure and types; general pattern of development of dicot and monocot embryo and endosperm; suspensor: structure and functions; embryo-endosperm relationship; nutrition of embryo; polyembryony, apomixes and parthenocarpy self incompatibility

Practical  

1. Study of morphology and reproductive parts of Cycas, Pinus, Ginkgo & Gnetum. 

2. Study of Fossil plants (Photographs/specimen). 

3. Study of different types of roots (Morphology only). 

4. Types of leaves, venation, hairs and trichomes, phyllotaxy, inflorescence and aestivation. 

5. Typesof placentation and ovule (Preparation of temporary slides) 

6. Study of pollen morphology and pollen tube formation. 

7. Study of types of embryos and endosperms (Permanent slides/ photographs)

Suggested readings

1. Bhatnagar, S.P. & Moitra, A. (1996). Gymnosperms. New Age International (P) Ltd Publishers, New Delhi, India.

2. Bhojwani, S.S. and Bhatnagar, S.P. (2011). The Embryology of Angiosperms, Vikas Publishing House. Delhi. 5th edition. 

3. Shivanna, K.R. (2003). Pollen Biology and Biotechnology. Oxford and IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd. Delhi.

4. Raghavan, V. (2000). Developmental Biology of Flowering plants, Springer, Netherlands. 

5. Johri, B.M. l (1984). Embryology of Angiosperms, Springer-Verlag, Netherlands.