Botany: Higher Secondary Second Year

BOTANY
Higher Secondary Second Year

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Untouchability is a sin
Untouchability is a crime
Untouchability is inhuman
TAMIL NADU
TEXTBOOK CORPORATION
COLLEGE ROAD, CHENNAI - 600 006.
© Government of Tamil Nadu
First edition – 2005
Reprint – 2006
CHAIRPERSON
Dr. K. AJITHADOSS
Reader and Head
Department of Botany
Presidency College (Autonomous)
Chennai 600 005.
REVIEWERS
Dr. Capt. T.T. PANDIAN Thiru. S.S. RATHINAKUMAR
Reader and Head Selection Grade Lecturer in Botany
Department of Plant Biology and P.G and Research Department
Plant Biotechnology Presidency College (Autonomous)
Government Arts College for Men Chennai - 600 005
(Autonomous), Nandanam
Chennai - 600 035.
AUTHORS
Dr. Mrs. RENU EDWIN Dr. T. SEKAR
Lecturer in Botany Lecturer in Botany
P.G and Research Department P.G. and Research Department
Presidency College (Autonomous) Pachaiyappa’s college
Chennai 600 005. Chennai – 600 030.
Thiru. P. SANKAR Thiru. S. MUNUSAMY
Selection Grade P.G. Asst. in Botany Selection Grade P.G. Asst. in Botany
Govt. Girls Hr. Sec. School Govt. Girls Hr. Sec. School
Chengalpet – 603 001 Ashok Nagar,
Kancheepuram District. Chennai - 600 083.
This book has been prepared by the Directorate of School Education

On behalf of the Government of Tamil Nadu
This book has been printed on 60 GSM paper
Price Rs.
Preface
The most important and crucial stage of school education is the higher secondary
level. This is the transition level from the generalised curriculum to a discipline-
based curriculum.
In order to pursue their careers in basic sciences and professional courses,
students take up Botany as one of the subjects. To provide them sufficient
background to meet the challenges of academic and professional streams, the
Botany textbook for Std. XII has been reformed, updated and designed to include
basic information on all topics.
Each chapter starts with an introduction followed by subject matter. All the
topics are presented in clear and concise manner. The chapters end with self-
evaluation questions.
Understanding the concept is more important than rote memory. Science may
be learnt by rote, but wisdom not. Hence, it is desired to make the students
understand the subject thoroughly, so that they can putforth their ideas clearly. In
order to make the learning of Botany more interesting and thorough, application
of concepts in real life situations is presented in this text.
Due importance has been given to develop skills in experimentation and
observation. The learning experience makes them to appreciate the role of botany
towards the improvement of our society.
Following are the salient features of this text.
The data has been systematically updated.
The line diagrams are neatly presented.
Self-evaluation questions are included to sharpen the reasoning ability of
the students.
While preparing for the examination, students should not restrict
themselves, only to the questions given in the self-evaluation. They must
be prepared to answer the questions from the text. Several items of learning
materials of biological interests have been put in boxes in the text to
arouse curiosity and to add current ideas among students. These are not
to be counted as contents for examinations.
Dr. K. Ajithadoss
Chairperson Text book committee.
www.tnschools.co.in
iii www.way2exam.in
SYLLABUS (140 periods)
UNIT - 1 Taxonomy of Angiosperms (20 periods)
Types of classifications - artificial - natural - phylogenetic. Biosystematics
- binomial nomenclature - herbarium and its uses. Bentham and Hooker’s
classification of plants - families - Malvaceae - Fabaceae - Rubiaceae - Asteraceae
- Solanaceae - Euphorbiaceae - Musaceae -Arecaceae and their Economic
importance.
UNIT – 2 Plant anatomy (15 periods)
Tissue and tissue systems - anatomy of monocot and dicot roots - anatomy
of monocot and dicot stems - anatomy of dicot and monocot leaves- Secondary
growth in dicot stem.
UNIT – 3 Cell biology and genetics (25 periods)
Chromosomes - structure and types - genes and genomes - linkage and
crossing over - gene mapping - recombination of chromosomes - mutation -
chromosomal aberrations - DNA as genetic material - structure of DNA - replication
of DNA - structure of RNA and its types - role of RNA in protein synthesis -
Genetic code - transcription - translation.
UNIT – 4 Biotechnology (30 periods)
Recombinant DNA technology - transgenic plants and microbes - plant tissue
culture and its application - protoplasmic fusion - single cell protein.
UNIT – 5 Plant physiology (30 periods)
Enzymes - classification - properties - mechanism and action. Photosynthesis
– significance – site of photosynthesis – photochemical and biosynthetic phases –
electron transport system – cyclic and non-cyclic photophosphorylation – C3 and
C4 pathways – photorespiration – factors affecting photosynthesis – mode of
nutrition – autotrophic – heterotrophic – saprophytic – parasitic and insectivorous
plants – chemosynthesis – respiration – mechanism of glycolysis – Krebs cycle –
pentose phosphate pathway – anaerobic respiration – respiratory quotient –
compensation point – fermentation. Plant growth – growth regulators –
phytohormones – auxins – gibberellins – cytokinins – ethylene and abscisic acid.
Photoperiodism and vernalization.
UNIT – 6 Biology in human welfare (20 periods)
Food production – breeding experiments – improved varieties and role of
biofertilizers. Crop diseases and their control – biopesticides – genetically modified
food – biowar – biopiracy – biopatent – sustained agriculture and medicinal plants
including microbes. Economic importance – food yielding (rice) – oil yielding
(groundnut) – fibre yielding (cotton) and timber yielding (teak) plants.
iv
PRACTICALS (30 periods)
1. Taxonomy
To dissect and describe the floral parts of the given parts in the
following families.
i. Malvaceae ii. Fabaceae
iii. Rubiaceae iv. Asteraceae
v. Solanaceae vi. Euphorbiaceae
vii. Musaceae viii. Arecaceae
2. Anatomy
To identify and write notes on the following slides
i. T.S. of dicot stem ii. T.S. of dicot root
iii. T.S. of monocot stem iv. T.S. of monocot root
v. T.S. of dicot leaf. vi. T.S. of monocot leaf
3. Cell biology and genetics

i. To describe the model of DNA / photograph of DNA.
ii. To describe the types of RNA as seen in photograph.
iii. To describe callus / plantlets in tissue culture.
(real specimens or photographs)
4. Plant physiology
To describe the experimental setup on the following topics.
i. Photosynthesis ii. Respiration
iii. Osmosis iv. Transpiration
5. Economic importance of plants

To identify and describe plants as prescribed in the syllabus.
BOTANY
CONTENTS
Page no.
1. TAXONOMY OF ANGIOSPERMS 1
2. PLANT ANATOMY 68
3. CELL BIOLOGY AND GENETICS 110
4. BIOTECHNOLOGY 144
5. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 168
6. BIOLOGY IN HUMAN WELFARE 230
vi
1. TAXONOMY OF ANGIOSPERMS
Taxonomy is concerned with the laws governing the classification of
plants. The term taxonomy includes two Greek words taxis – arrangement
and nomos– laws. Plant taxonomy is otherwise known as systematic
botany. Classification, identification, description and naming the plants
are the bases of plant taxonomy. The taxonomic knowledge about the
plants is based on their form and structure. The knowledge gained through
taxonomy is useful in the fields of medicine, agriculture, forestry, etc.
The ultimate aim of classification is to arrange plants in an orderly
sequence based upon their similarities. The closely related plants are kept
within a group and unrelated plants are kept far apart in separate groups.
The other aim of classification is to establish phylogenetic relationships
among the different groups of plants. The plants that are closely related
show more similarities than differences.
The earliest systems of classification were simple and based on one or
few characters. They gave importance to vegetative characters. The later
systems of classification gave more importance to floral characters because
floral characters are more stable and permanent.
1.1. Types of classification
The different types of classification proposed by earlier taxonomists
can be broadly categorized into three systems– artificial, natural and
phylogenetic.
Artificial system
It was based on one or at most only a few superficial characters. In
1753, Carolus Linnaeus of Sweden published his book “ Species
Plantarum” wherein he described 7,300 species. He divided the plants
into 24 classes based on number, union, length and certain other characters
of stamens. Hence, this system is also known as sexual system of
classification. In those days, it was an important over other systems of
classification. The importance of floral characters was felt by Linnaeus
1
and his classification was more important
than others. The main defect of this system
is that totally unrelated plants are brought
together in a single group and those that
are closely related plants are placed in
widely separated groups. For example,
plants belonging to Zingiberaceae of
Monocotyledons and that of
Anacardiaceae of Dicotyledons had been
placed in one group called Monandria,
as these possess only one stamen. Another Fig. 1.1. Carolus Linnaeus
defect of this system was that no
importance was given to either natural or phylogenetic relationships among
different groups of plants.
Natural system
In this system of classification, plants are classified based on their
natural affinities. More number of characters are taken into consideration
in this system. It is mainly based on all the informations that were available
during the time of direct observation of plants. The most important natural
system of classification of seed plants was proposed by two British botanists
George Bentham and Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker. It helps to determine
the relationships between various groups of plants. However, it does not
attempt to bring out evolutionary relationships among different
groups of plants.
Phylogenetic system
This system is based on evolutionary sequence as well as genetic
relationships among different groups of plants. In addition to this, it
employs as many taxonomic characters as possible. Charles Darwin’s
concept of Origin of Species had given enough stimulus for the creation of
phylogenetic system of classification. Adolf Engler (1844-1930) and Karl
Prantl (1849-1893) of Germany published a phylogenetic system in their
monograph on “Die Naturlichen Pflanzen Familien”. In this system, floral
characters such as single whorl of perianth or no perianth and unisexual
flowers pollinated by wind were considered as primitive characters when
2
compared to perianth with two whorls, bisexual flowers pollinated by
insects. According to them, members of Asteraceae of dicotyledons and
Orchidaceae of monocotyledons were highly advanced.
1.1.1. Biosystematics
Taxonomy is mainly concerned with the observation of similarities
and differences that exist in the morphology of a vast number of plants.
But it has now been accepted that in general, morphological characters
alone are not the criteria for distinguishing and classifying plants from one
another. One has to take into consideration, the characteristics and
differences from other disciplines of science such as cytology, genetics,
physiology, ecology, phytogeography, phytochemistry, numerical
taxonomy, molecular biology, breeding systems and any other available
sources for classification.
Biosystematics may be defined as ‘taxonomy of living populations’.
In the present day classification of plants, species is taken as basic unit and
it is the local breeding population. Numerous disciplines of science thus
provide innumerable number of datas of all the characters of the individual
or a species. This helps to clear problems concerning those plants that
differ in their interrelationship, classification and evolution. It provides
sufficient genetic variations that warrants separation so as to recognise
them as a separate taxon based on their evolutionary progress.
Variations in a species may be due to several factors such as genetic,
ecological, physiological, population dynamic study and many other factors.
All the evidences provided by the biosystematist are taken for analysis and
considered by the classical taxonomist in order to arrive at any controversial
problems that may arise during their phylogenetic classification based on
their evolution of species under study.
Aims of biosystematics
Camp and Gily 1943, coined the term ‘biosystematics’. The aims of
biosystematics are as follows.
i) To delimit the naturally occurring biotic community of plant species.
ii) To recognise the various groups as separate biosystematic categories
such as ecotypes, ecospecies, cenospecies and comparium.
3
Methods in the study of biosystematics
Three important methods are as follows.
i) It involves thorough sampling analysis of the taxonomic species
under study. Its population, cultivation, geographical range, cytology,
anatomy, palynology, phytochemistry, chromosomal number and behaviour
are keenly observed and studied for finding any genetic differences that
may arise among different populations.
ii) It includes determination of ability of different populations to
interbreed among one another to form a variant species with its vigor and
fertility. This will reveal the presence or absence of breeding barriers
between taxa at various levels.
iii) It involves the study of similarity of chromosomes in the hybrids
during meiosis.
Ecotype is the basic unit in biosystematics, adapted to a

particular environment but capable of producing fertile hybrids
with other ecotypes. Ecotype is regarded as equivalent to
subspecies of classical taxonomy.
Ecospecies is a group of plants comprising one or more
ecotypes within the cenospecies, whose members are able to
interchange their genes. Ecospecies is regarded as equivalent to
species of classical taxonomy.
Cenospecies is a group of plants representing one or more
ecospecies of common evolutionary origin. It is regarded as
equivalent to subgenus of classical taxonomy. Cenospecies of
the same comparium are separated by genetic barriers and all
hybrids between them are sterile.
Comparium is composed of one or more cenospecies that
are not able to intercross. Complete genetic barriers exist between
different comparia.
The informations obtained from the above mentioned studies were

compared with the data obtained through comparative morphology and
geographical distributions resulted in the recognition and identification of
4
a total variety or species. To conclude, biosystematic study in the
contemporary and modern taxonomy plays a vital role in separating and
solving some of the problems that may develop in the identification of
plants at the level of species. Biosystematist provides all the necessary data
in solving the real position of species that was in controversy.
1.1.2. Binomial nomenclature
The system of naming the plants on a scientific basis is known as
botanical nomenclature. Naming of the plants is useful in assigning their
identity and relationship. Before the middle of the eighteenth century, the
names of plants were commonly polynomials i.e. they were composed of
several words in series constituting more or less the description of the
plant. This can be illustrated with the example of Caryophyllum. The
name given was Caryophyllum saxatilis folis gramineus umbellatis corymbis
meaning Caryophyllum growing on rocks, having grass like leaves with
umbellate corymbose inflorescence.
Since lengthy names are difficult to remember and use, attempts were
made to shorten these names. Carolus Linnaeus suggested a system of
binomial nomenclature. Although the binomial system was introduced by
Gaspard Bauhin as early as 1623, it had properly been made use by
Linnaeus in his book Species Plantarum.
In binomial nomenclature, every species is given a name of two
words. For example, the binomial nomenclature of mango tree is Mangifera
indica. Here the first word Mangifera refers to the genus and the second
word indica to the species. The two words in combination comprise the
name of the plant. Thus the binomial is a binary name. Hence, from the
days of Linnaeus, two different kinds of plants could not have the same
generic and specific names.
International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN)
In 1930, the fifth International Botanical Congress was held at
Cambridge, England to frame rules and regulations for naming plants.
The twelfth meeting was held at Leningrad, USSR in July 1975. Based
on the resolutions of this meeting, the current system of International
Code of Botanical Nomenclature was adapted from 1978.
5
Some of the salient features of ICBN
1. The generic name is a singular noun. The first letter of generic
name is always written in capital. The specific epithet is an adjective and is
always written with small letter. It is derived from many sources and may
consist of one or two words. eg. Oryza sativa and Oldenlandia albo-
nervia.
2. The name should be short, precise and easy to pronounce.
3. The binomials are printed in italics or underlined. The generic
and specific epithets are underlined separately. eg. Abutilon neilgherrense
or Abutilon neilgherrense
4. When new names are given to any plant, then the herbarium
preparation of the same specimen with its original description is preserved
in any recognized herbarium. This specimen is denoted as type specimen.
It is to be preserved on herbarium sheet.
5. The person who publishes the description of any plant for the first
time or giving a new name to a plant is considered as author. The name
of plant should bear the author’s abbreviated name at the end of specific
epithet. This is called author citation. Abbreviations were made for
eminent taxonomists. The name Linnaeus was abbreviated to L. or Linn.,
Robert Brown to R.Br. and Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker to Hook.
eg. Malva sylvestris Linn.
6. The original description of the plant should accompany the latin
translation.
7. If naming the plant is from a source of error, it is regarded as
ambiguous name. It is also called nomen ambiguum and is completely
ignored from use.
8. If the generic and specific epithets are the same, it is called tautonym.
eg. Sassafras sassafras. Such names are not accepted in the system of
nomenclature.
1.1.3. Herbaria and their uses
Herbarium is a collection of pressed, dried plant specimens mounted
on specified sheets, identified and arranged in the order of an approved and
6
well known system of classification. It also refers to the institution where
dried plant specimens are maintained and studied. eg. Herbarium of
Botanical Survey of India, Coimbatore.
A twig with leaves, inflorescence or flowers is collected from shrubs
and trees. In the case of herbs, the collected plant specimens should
contain both vegetative and reproductive parts. They are dried by keeping
them between the folds of old newspapers. It is necessary to change these
papers at regular intervals, until the plants are well dried. The plant
specimens along with their parts are dried in a plant press (fig.1.2). It
consists of two boards with straps, which help in tightening the newspapers
with specimens between the boards.
The dried specimens are pasted on the herbarium sheets of standard
size 41 cm X 29 cm. The process
of attaching dried and pressed plant
specimens on herbarium sheets is
known as mounting of specimens.
All the mounted specimens are
sprayed with fungicide like 0.1%
solution of Mercuric chloride. To
protect these dried specimens from
the attack of the insects, pesticides
such as naphthalene and carbon
Fig. 1.2. Plant press disulphide can be used. The heavy
parts of plants such as seeds and
fruits are kept in packets and attached to the sheets.
When a new name for a species is suggested, it is the rule that plant
specimens of the same should necessarily be deposited in a recognized
herbarium. These specimens are called type specimens. The name of the
family is always based on type genus. These specimens are most valuable
part of herbarium and they are handled with special care. They are stored
in fire-proof cabinets.
If the herbarium specimens are handled with special care, they will
be in good condition for a long time. Precautions should be taken against
attacks of fungi and insects. It is always better to use chemicals, which
7
can repel the insects from herbarium specimens. The herbarium is always
accompanied with a label. It carries the information about the botanical
name of the plant, name of the family, habit, place and date of collection
and name of the person who collected the specimens.
Some Important National and International Herbaria
Total No. of
S.No. Name of herbarium specimens
1. Herbarium of Royal Botanical More than
Gardens, Kew, London, England. 60,00,000
2. Herbarium of Indian Botanical More than
Garden, Kolkata, India. 10,00,000
3. Botanical Survey of India, More than
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. 1,90,000
4. Presidency College Herbarium, More than
Chennai, Tamil Nadu. 10,000
5. Rapinat Herbarium, Trichy, More than
Tamil Nadu. 12,000
Importance of herbarium
Herbarium is a source of knowledge about the flora of a region or a
locality or a country.
It is a data store in which the information on plants are available.
The type specimens help in the correct identification of plants.
It provides materials for taxonomic and anatomical studies.
Typical pollen characters have been well emphasized in taxonomy.
Morphological characters of the pollen remain unaltered even after
storage upto nearly 200 years.
It is very much useful in the study of cytology, structure of DNA,
numerical taxonomy, chaemotaxonomy, etc. It acts as a reservoir of
gene pool studies.
Because of its importance, several herbaria have been established at the
national and international centres.
8
Self Evaluation
I . Choose and write the correct options.
1. Artificial system of classification of plants was proposed by a
a. British botanist b. Swedish botanist
c. German botanist d. Indian botanist
2. Which of the following classification is a sexual system of
classification?
a. Artificial system b. Natural system
c. Phylogenetic system d. Natural selection
3. The botanist who introduced binomial system is
a. Carolus Linnaeus b. Gaspard Bauhin
c. Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker d. Adolf Engler
II. Answer the following questions in two or three sentences.
4. What are the defects of artificial system of classification of plants?
5. Define biosystematics.
6. What is Binomial nomenclature?
7. Write the objectives of classification of plants.
8. What are the aims of biosystematics.
9. How is ICBN evolved?
10. What is called nomen ambiguum?
11. Define tautonym. Give an example.
12. Define Herbarium.
13. Write precautions to be taken in preserving specimens in
herbarium.
14. What is called author citation? Give an example.
15. What is a type specimen?
III. Answer the following questions in about 100 words
16. Write any five salient features of ICBN.
17. Bring out the significance of herbarium.
18. Define biosystematics. Briefly write a note on it.
19. What are the types of classification of plants? Add note on each
type.
9
1.2. Bentham and Hooker’s classification of plants
It is a natural system of classification and is based on important
characters of the plants. Even today this system is being followed in India,
United Kingdom and several other Commonwealth countries. It is also
used in a number of herbaria and botanical gardens all over the world. It
is a well known and widely accepted classification of seeded plants. It was
proposed by two English botanists George Bentham (1800-1884) and
Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker (1817-1911). Their system of classification
was published in ‘Genera Plantarum’ in three volumes and they had
described 97,205 species of seeded plants in 202 orders (now referred to
as families). In Bentham and Hooker’s classification of plants, the present
day ‘orders’ were referred to as ‘cohorts’ and ‘families’ as ‘orders’.
The outline of Bentham and Hooker’s classification of plants is given
in page 12. The seeded plants are divided into three classes – Dicotyledonae,
Gymnospermae and Monocotyledonae.
Class I Dicotyledonae
Seeds of dicotyledonous plants contain two cotyledons. Leaves show
reticulate venation. Flowers are tetramerous or pentamerous having four
or five members in various floral whorls respectively. It includes three
sub-classes – Polypetalae, Gamopetalae and Monochlamydeae.
Sub-class I Polypetalae
Plants having flowers with free petals come under polypetalae. The
flowers are with distinct calyx and corolla. It is further divided into three
series – Thalamiflorae, Disciflorae and Calyciflorae.
Series (i) Thalamiflorae
It includes plants having flowers with dome or conical thalamus.
Ovary is superior. Thalamiflorae includes 6 orders and 34 families. The
family Malvaceae is placed in the order Malvales.
Series (ii) Disciflorae
It includes flowers having prominent disc shaped thalamus below the
ovary. Ovary is superior. Disciflorae is divided into 4 orders and 23 families.
10
Series (iii) Calyciflorae
It includes plants having flowers with cup shaped thalamus. Ovary is
superior or inferior sometimes half inferior. Calyciflorae includes 5 orders
and 27 families. The family Fabaceae is placed in the order Rosales.
Sub-class 2. Gamopetalae
Plants having flowers with petals, which are either partially or
completely fused to one another are placed under Gamopetalae. The
sepals and petals are distinct. Gamopetalae is further divided into three
series – Inferae, Heteromerae and Bicarpellatae.
Series (i) Inferae
The flowers are epigynous and ovary is inferior. Inferae includes 3
orders and 9 families. The family Rubiaceae is placed in the order Rubiales
and Astraceae in Astrales.
Series (ii) Heteromerae
The flowers are hypogynous and ovary is superior with more than
two carpels. Heteromerae includes 3 orders and 12 families.
Series (iii) Bicarpellatae
The flowers are hypogynous and ovary is superior with two carpels
only. Bicarpellatae includes 4 orders and 24 families. The family
Solanaceae is placed in the order Polemoniales.
Sub-class 3. Monochlamydeae
Plants having flowers with single whorl of perianth are placed under
Monochlamydeae. Flowers are incomplete. The sepals and petals are not
distinguished and they are called perianth. Tepals are present in two whorls.
Sometimes both the wholrs are absent. Monochlamydeae includes 8
series and 36 families. The family Euphorbiaceae is placed in the series
Unisexuales.
Class II Gymnospermae
The members of this class have naked ovules or seeds. Ovary is
absent and gymnospermae includes three families – Gnetaceae, Coniferae
and Cycadaceae.
11
www.tnschools.co.in Seeded plants
↓
Class I Class II Class III
Dicotyledonae Gymnospermae Monocotyledonae
3 families 7 Series and 34 families
1. Gnetaceae Series : Epigynae Series: Calycinae
2. Coniferae and Family: Musaceae Family: Arecaceae
3. Cycadaceae
Sub-class 1 Sub-class 2 Sub-class 3

Polypetalae Gamopetalae Monochlamydeae
8 series and 36 families
12
↓
→
Series (i) Thalamiflorae Series (i) Inferae Series : Unisexuales
6 orders and 34 families 3 orders and 9 families Family: Euphorbiaceae
Order: Malvales Order: Rubiales Order: Asterales
Family : Malvaceae Family: Rubiaceae Family: Asteraceae
Series (ii) Disciflorae Series (ii) Heteromerae
4 orders and 23 families 3 orders and 12 families
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Series (iii) Calyciflorae Series (iii) Bicarpellatae

5 orders and 27 families 4 orders and 24 families
Order: Rosales Order : Polemoniales
Family: Fabaceae Family : Solanaceae
Outline of Bentham and Hooker’s classificiation of plants

Class III Monocotyledonae
Seeds of monocotyledonous plants contain only one cotyledon. Leaves
show parallel venation. Flowers are trimerous having three members in
various floral whorls. The plants have fibrous root system. The
Monocotyledonae has 7 series and 34 families. The family Musaceae is
placed in the series Epigynae and Arecaceae in Calycinae.
Merits of Bentham and Hooker’s classification of plants
1. Bentham and Hooker’s classification is the most natural system,
based on actual examination of specimens.
2. The description of plants is quite accurate and reliable.
3. As it is easy to follow, it is used as a key for the identification of
plants in Kew herbarium and several other herbaria of the world.
4. Although this system is natural, most of the aspects of this system
show affinity to modern concepts of evolution. For example, the
order Ranales, which is
Distribution of taxa in Bentham and the first order in the
Hooker’s classification of plants arrangement of plants,
Classes and No. of has been given a
S.No. primitive position in this
sub-classes families
system. Recent
1. Dicotyledonae taxonomic findings also
i. Polypetalae 84 indicate that the
ii. Gamopetalae 45
members of Ranales are
iii. Monochlamydeae 36
the most primitive living
2. Gymnospermae 3 angiosperms.
3. Monocotyledonae 34 5. The placement of
Total 202 monocotyledonae after
the dicotyledonae also
appears to be in accordance with the evolutionary trends.
13
Demerits of Bentham and Hooker’s classification of plants
1. The placement of Gymnospermae in between dicotyledonae and
monocotyledonae is an error.
2. Several important floral characters have been neglected in this
system.
3. Advanced family Orchidaceae has been considered as primitive
among monocotyledons and it is placed in the beginning of the system.
4. In this system, some closely related families have been separated
and placed under different groups. For example, all the families of series
Curvembryeae of Monochlamydeae are related to Caryophyllaceae of series
Thalamiflorae of Polypetalae, but they are separated.
5. Unrelated families have been grouped nearer. For example,
Podostemaceae of series Multiovulatae aquaticae of Monochlamydeae
deserves a place in Rosales of the series Calyciflorae of Polypetalae.
Similarly Laurineae of series Daphnales of Monochlamydeae deserves a
place in Ranales of the series Thalamiflorae of polypetalae. Thus, two
unrelated families Podostemaceae and Laurineae are grouped nearer.
Self Evaluation
1. Genera plantarum of Bentham and Hooker was published in
a. a single volume b. two volumes
c. three volumes d. four volumes
2. In Bentham and Hooker classification of plants, the present day
‘orders’ were referred to by them as
a. series b. cohorts
c. orders d. families
3. Plants having flowers with free petals are placed under
a. Monochlamydeae b. Monocotyledons
c. Gamopetalae d. Polypetalae
4. Inferae includes
a. 6 orders and 34 families b. 4 orders and 23 families
c. 3 orders and 9 families d. 5 orders and 27 families
14
5. How many families were described by Bentham and Hooker in
their classification?
a. 204 b. 212
c. 202 d. 102
6. In Bentham and Hooker’s classification of plants, the present by
“families” were referred to by them as
a. families b. cohorts
c. orders d. series
7. Thalamiflorae includes
a. 4 orders and 23 families b. 6 orders and 34 families
c. 5 orders and 27 families d. 3 orders and 12 families
8. Which one of the following series includes the epigynous flowers?
a. Thalamiflorae b. Disciflorae
c. Inferae d. Heteromerae
9. The family included under the series Unisexuales is
a. Solanaceae b. Euphorbiaceae
c. Malvaceae d. Musaceae
10. Write the countries which still follow the Bentham and Hooker’s
classification of plants.
11. What are the three classes of phanerogams?
12. Write the families of gymnospermae as in Bentham and Hooker’s
classification of plants.
13. What is polypetalae?
14. Write short notes on monochlamydeae.
15. Briefly mention the systematic position of Laurineae.
III. Answer the following questions in about 100 words.
16. Bring out the merits of Bentham and Hooker’s classification of
plants.
IV. Answer the following questions in about 200 words.
17. Discuss the outline of Bentham and Hooker’s classification of
plants.
15
DICOT FAMILIES
1.3.1 MALVACEAE - the cotton family
Systematic position
Class: Dicotyledonae
Sub-class: Polypetalae
Series: Thalamiflorae
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
General characters
Distribution
This family includes about 82 genera and more than 1,500 species.
The plants are cosmopolitan in distribution, more abundant in tropical and
subtropical regions. In India, Malvaceae is represented by 22 genera and
125 species.
Habit
Plants may be annual herbs ( eg. Malva sylvestris) or perennial shrubs
(eg. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) or trees (eg. Thespesia populnea). The
members of this family have mucilagenous substance. Stellate hairs occur
on their young parts.
Root
Tap root system.
Stem
Aerial, erect (eg. Malva sylvestris), branched, woody (eg. Thespesia
populnea), decumbent as in Malva rotundifolia (Thirikalamalli) and usually
covered with stellate hairs.
Leaf
Petiolate, simple, entire (eg. Thespesia populnea) or palmately lobed
(eg. Gossypium arboreum), alternate, stipulate, margins usually toothed
(eg. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) and showing reticulate venation.
Inflorescence
Solitary, terminal (eg. Malvastrum coromendelia) or solitary, axillary
(eg.Thespesia populnea) or terminal or axillary cyme.eg.Pavonia odorata
(Peramutti).
16
Flower
Bracteate or ebracteate, bracteolate or ebracteolate, pedicellate,
dichlamydeous, pentamerous, complete, actinomorphic, regular, bisexual
and hypogynous.
Epicalyx
Bracteoles forming a whorl outer to calyx is called epicalyx. Bracteoles
3 in Malva sylvestris, 5 to 8 in Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, 10 to 12 in Pavonia
odorata and absent in Abutilon indicum.
Calyx
Sepals 5, green, gamosepalous showing valvate aestivation.
Corolla
Petals 5, coloured, polypetalous but slightly fused at the base due to
adhesion with staminal tube, regular and showing twisted aestivation.
Androecium
Numerous stamens, filaments are fused to form a staminal tube around
the style and monadelphous. The staminal tube is fused with the petals at
their bases. Anthers are monothecous, reniform, transversely attached to
filaments and transversely dehiscent.
Gynoecium
Ovary superior, two to many carpels but usually 5 to 10 carpels and
syncarpous. Ovary with two to many locules. Pentacarpellary in Hibiscus
rosa-sinensis, 10 in Althaea and 15 to 20 in Abutilon indicum. Number of
locules usually corresponds to number of carpels. Each locule contains
one to many ovules on axile placentation. Style long, slender and passes
through the staminal tube ending in two to many distinct round stigmas.
Fruit
Loculicidal capsule e.g. Abelmoschus esculentus or schizocarp as in
Abutilon indicum and Sida cordifoliaI (Nilathuthi).
Seed
Endosperm is scanty, covered with hairs as in Gossypium barbadense.
17
Botanical description of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Habit
Perennial shrub.
Root
Tap root system.
Stem
Aerial, erect, cylindrical, woody and branched.
Leaf
Simple, Alternate, petiolate, stipulate, serrate, glabrous, apex acuminate
with multicostate reticulate venation.
Inflorescence
Solitary cyme and axillary.
Flower
Pedicel jointed, bracteate, bracteolate, bisexual, large, showy,
pentamerous, dichlamydeous, actinomorphic, complete and hypogynous
and mucilage is present in floral parts.
Epicalyx
5 to 8 bracteoles outer to the calyx. They are green and free.
Calyx
Sepals 5, green, gamosepalous showing valvate aestivation and odd
sepal is posterior in position.
Corolla
Petals 5, variously coloured, polypetalous but fused at the base and
showing twisted aestivation.
Androecium
Numerous stamens, monadelphous, filaments are fused to form a
staminal tube around the style. Staminal tube is red. Anthers are
monothecous, reniform, yellow, transversely attached to the filament,
dehisce transversely and extrorse.
18
Calyx
Epicalyx
Stamen
L.S. of a flower
A twig
Staminal tube
Ovary
A stamen
Sepal
Androecium Gynoecium
Epicalyx
Calyx A petal
Locule
Ovule
T.S. of ovary Floral diagram

Floral formula : Br., Brl., , ,K ,C ,A ,G
(5) 5 (∝) (5)
Fig. 1.3. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
19
Gynoecium
Ovary superior, pentacarpellary and syncarpous. Ovary pentalocular
with many ovules per locule on axile placentation. Style simple, long,
slender and passes through the staminal tube. Stigma 5, capitate and
coloured.
Fruit
Mostly abortive.
Floral Formula
Br., Brl., , , K , C , A∝, G
(5) 5 ( ) (5)
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
1. Fibre plants
Gossypium barbadense (Egyptian cotton), G. hirsutum (American
cotton), G. herbaceum (Cotton) and several other species of Gossypium
yield cotton fibres of commercial value. The fibres are obtained from the
surface of seeds.
Hibiscus cannabinus (Deccan hemp) yields bast fibres which are
used for making ropes.
2. Food plants
The tender fruit of Abelmoschus esculentus (lady’s finger) is used as
vegetable. The leaves and sepals of Hibiscus sabdariffa (A kind of ‘pulichai’)
are used for making pickles, jam and jelly. A delicious ‘chutney’ is prepared
from the leaves and sepals of H. cannabinus (Pulichai keerai) and
H. sabdariffa.
3. Timber Plants
Timber obtained from Thespesia populnea (portia tree) is useful for
making boat, furniture and agricultural implements.
4. Medicinal plants
Root and leaves of Abutilon indicum (Thuthi) and Malva sylvestris
are used against fever. Roots of Malva sylvestris and Althaea rosea are
used for treating whooping cough and dysentery respectively.
5. Ornamental plants
Althaea rosea (Hollyhock), Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Shoe flower)
H. schizopetalus (A kind of shoe flower with dissected petals) are grown
in gardens.
20
Self evaluation
1. Thespesia populnea belongs to
2. Malvaceae is placed in the series
a. Thalamiflorae b. Inferae
c. Heteromerae d. Disciflorae
3. Anthers are monothecous in
4. In Abelmoschus esculentus, the fruit is
a. drupe b. schizocarp
c. regma d. loculicidal capsule
5. Binomial of lady’s finger is
a. Hibiscus cannabinus b. Thespesia populnea
c. Gossypium barbadense d. Abelmoschus esculentus
6. Mention the systematic position of Malvaceae.
7. Write a note on androecium of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.
8. Describe the gynoecium of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.
9. Name any three fibre plants of Malvaceae.
10. Mention the binomial of any three medicinal plants of Malvaceae.
11. Write any three binomials of food plants of Malvaceae.
12. Draw the floral diagram and write the floral formula of Hibiscus
rosa-sinensis.
13. What is epicalyx? It is present in Abutilon indicum?
III. Answer the following questions in 100 words.
14. Give a detailed account on economic importance of Malvaceae.
IV. Answer the following question in about 200 words.
15. Describe Hibiscus rosa-sinensis in botanical terms.
16. List out characteristic features of members of Malvaceae.
21
1.3.2. FABACEAE – the bean family
Systematic position
Sub-class: Polypetalae
Series: Calyciflorae
Order: Rosales
Family: Fabaceae
General characters
Distribution
Fabaceae includes about 482 genera and more than 7,200 species.
The members are cosmopolitan in distribution but abundant in tropical and
subtropical regions. In India, this family is represented by about 100
genera and 754 species.
Habit
The members of this family exhibit different habits. Prostrate herb
eg. Indigofera enneaphylla (Seppu nerunji), erect herb (eg. Crotalaria
verrucosa), twiner eg. Clitoria ternatea (Sangupoo), tendril climber
eg. Pisum sativum (Pea plant), shrub eg. Cajanus cajan and trees
eg. Pongamia glabra. Aeschynomene aspera (Pith plant) is a hydrophyte
and commonly called pith plant.
Root
Branched tap root system having nodules. Nitrogen fixing bacterium
Rhizobium leguminosarum occurs in the nodules.
Stem
Aerial, weak stem (eg. Clitoria ternatea) or woody (eg. Dalbergia
latifolia).
Leaf
Simple (eg. Crotalaria juncea) or bifoliate (eg. Zornia diphylla) or
trifoliate (eg. Lablab purpureus) or imparipinnately compound (eg. Clitoria
ternatea), terminal leaflets modified into tendrils in Pisum sativum. Leaves
are alternate, stipulate, leaflets stipellate, pulvinate showing reticulate
venation.
22
Inflorescence
Usually a raceme eg. Crotalaria verrucosa (Kilukiluppai) or a panicle
(eg. Dalbergia latifolia) or axillary solitary (eg. Clitoria ternatea).
Flower
Bracteate, pedicellate, bracteolate, complete, bisexual, pentamerous,
dichlamydeous, zygomorphic and hypogynous.
Calyx
Sepals 5, green, gamosepalous showing valvate aestivation. Odd
sepal is anterior in position.
Corolla
Petals 5, coloured, polypetalous showing descendingly imbricate or
vexillary aestivation. The outer most petal is large called standard petal
or vexillum. Two lateral petals are lanceolate and curved. They are
called wing petals or alae. Two anterior and partly fused innermost petals
are called keel petals or carina. The stamens and pistil are enclosed by
these keel petals. All the petals have a claw at their bases. This type of
irregular corolla is described as papilionaceous corolla.
Androecium
Stamens 10, usually diadelphous. Nine stamens are fused to form a
bundle and the tenth stamen is free (9) + 1 (eg. Clitoria ternatea). The
odd stamen is posterior in position. In Aeschynomene aspera, the stamens
are fused to form two bundles each containing five stamens (5) + (5). In
Crotalaria verrucosa the stamens are monadelphous and dimorphic i.e. 5
stamens have longer filaments and other 5 stamens have shorter filaments.
Thus the stamens are found at two different levels and the shape of anthers
also varies. 5 anthers are long and lanceolate. The other 5 anthers are
short and blunt. Anthers are dithecous, basifixed and dehiscing
longitudinally.
Gynoecium
Ovary superior, monocarpellary, stipitate i.e. ovary has a short stalk
at the base. Ovary unilocular with one to many ovules showing marginal
placentation. Style simple and bent. Stigma flattened or feathery.
23
Fruit
Typically a legume. In Arachis hypogea, the fruits develop
underground. After fertilization, the stipe of the ovary becomes meristematic
and grows down into the soil. Thus the ovary gets buried into the soil and
develops into fruit.
Seed
Non-endospermous and kidney shaped.
Botanical description of Clitoria ternatea
Habit
Twining climber.
Root
Branched tap root system having nodules.
Stem
Aerial, weak stem and a twiner.
Leaf
Imparipinnately compound, alternate, stipulate showing reticulate
venation. Leaflets are stipellate. Petiole and stipel are pulvinated.
Inflorescence
Axillary and solitary.
Flower
Bracteate, bracteolate, bracteoles usually large, pedicellate,
dichlamydeous, complete, bisexual, pentamerous, zygomorphic and
hypogynous.
Calyx
Sepals 5, green, gamosepalous showing valvate aestivation. Odd
sepal is anterior in position.
Corolla
Petals 5, blue or white, polypetalous, irregular, papilionaceous corolla
showing descendingly imbricate aestivation.
24
Flower
L.S. of flower
A twig Filament
Stamen
Bracteole
Calyx Standard petal

Androecium
Wing petal
Keel Petals
Corolla
Ovary
Stigma
Style
Ovule
Gynoecium
Locule
T.S. of ovary
Floral formula
Br., Brl., %, , K (5), C 5 , A (9) + 1, G 1
Fig. 1.4 Clitoria ternatea Floral diagram
25
Androecium
Stamens 10, diadelphous (9)+1, nine stamens fused to form a bundle
and the tenth stamen is free, posterior and opposite to the standard petal.
Anthers are dithecous, basifixed, introrse and dehiscing by longitudinal
slits.
Gynoecium
Ovary superior, stipitate and monocarpellary. Ovary unilocular with
many ovules on marginal placentation. Style simple and incurved with
feathery stigma.
Fruit
A legume.
Seed
Non-endospermous and kidney shaped.
Floral formula
Br., Brl., %, , K (5), C 5 , A (9) + 1, G 1
Economic importance
1. Pulses
The seeds of Cajanus cajan (red gram), Vigna mungo (black gram),
Vigna radiata (green gram), Vigna ungiculata (horse gram) and Cicer
arietinum (chick pea) are rich in proteins and used as pulses.
2. Vegetables
The tender fruits of Lablab purpureus (field bean) and leaves of
Sesbania grandiflora (agathi) are used as vegetables and greens.
3. Oil plants
Oil extracted from the seeds of Arachis hypogea (ground nut) is used
for cooking. Seeds are edible. Pongam oil obtained from the seeds of
Pongamia pinnata (pongam) has medicinal value and is used in the
preparation of soap.
4. Timber plants
Timber is obtained from Dalbergia latifolia (rose wood) and
Pterocarpus santalinus (red sandal wood) is used for making furniture,
cabinet articles and other building materials.
26
5. Fibre plants
Fibres obtained from Crotalaria juncea (sunhemp) and Sesbania
aegyptiaca (sesban) are used for making ropes.
6. Dye plants
The important blue dye, indigo obtained from Indigofera tinctoria
(Avuri) is used in the colouring of printing ink and paints. Blue dye is
also obtained from the flowers and seeds of Clitoria ternatea.
Butea frondosa (flame of the forest), Clitoria ternatea, Lathyrus
odoratus (sweet pea) and Lupinus hirsutus are grown as ornamental plants.
Self evaluation

1. Pongamia glabra is a
a. herb b. shrub
c. tree d. climber
2. Aeschynomene aspera is a
a. xerophyte b. hydrophyte
c. mesophyte d. lithophyte
3. The binomial of groundnut plant is
a. Arachis hypogea b. Pongamia glabra
c. Dalbergia latifolia d. Vigna mungo
4. The fruit of the members of Fabaceae is
a. berry b. drupe
c. legume d. caryopsis.
5. The type of placentation seen in the members of Fabaceae is
a. axile b. basal
c. parietal d. marginal
27
6. Write the systematic position of Fabaceae.
7. What is papilionaceous corolla?
8. What is vexillum?
9. Describe the gynoecium of Clitoria ternatea.
10. What is pulvinus?
11. Write any two binomials of dye plant of Fabaceae.
12. Add a note on economic importance of Fabaceae.
13. Briefly explain different types of androecium of members of
Fabaceae.
14. Describe Clitoria ternatea in botanical terms.
15. Describe the general characteristic features of Fabaceae.
28
1.3.3. RUBIACEAE – the coffee family
Systematic position
Sub-class: Gamopetalae
Series: Inferae
Order: Rubiales
Family: Rubiaceae
General characters
Distribution
Rubiaceae is one of the largest families consisting of nearly 500 genera
and more than 6,500 species. They are widely distributed in the tropical
and sub-tropical regions. In India, this family is represented by 76 genera
and more than 274 species.
Habit
Mostly trees (eg. Cinchona officinalis, Morinda tinctoria) or shrubs
(eg. Mussaenda) or herbs (eg. Rubia).
Root
A branched tap root system.
Stem
Aerial, erect, cylindrical, woody and branched but herbaceous in
Rubia.
Leaf
Simple, opposite decussate (eg. Ixora coccinea) or whorled (eg.
Galium), entire and stipulate. The stipules of opposite leaves are fused at
the node between the petioles. They are called interpetiolar stipules (eg.
Ixora coccinea). When the stipules of each leaf are fused at the angle
between petiole and stem, they are called intrapetiolar stipules. (eg.
Gardenia).
Inflorescence
Mostly terminal or axillary cymose (eg. Gardenia) or corymbose
cyme (eg. Ixora coccinea) or cymes are aggregated into dense head as in
Anthocephalus indicus (Kadamba tree).
29
Flower
Bracteate, bracteolate, pedicellate, dichlamydeous, complete, tetra or
pentamerous, actinomorphic and epigynous.
Calyx
Sepals 4 or 5, gamosepalous rarely polysepalous, showing valvate
aestivation. In Mussaenda, one of the sepals is brightly coloured. It is
called petaloid sepal.
Corolla
Petals 4 or 5, gamopetalous, hypocrateriform or salver shaped i.e. a
long narrow tube consisting of limbs – placed at right angles to the tube
(eg. Ixora coccinea), showing valvate or twisted or imbricate aestivation.
Androecium
Stamens 4 or 5, alternate with petals, epipetalous and inserted at the
mouth of corolla tube. Anthers are dithecous, basifixed, introrse and
dehiscing longitudinally.
Gynoecium
Ovary inferior, bicarpellary and syncarpous. Ovary bilocular with
one or numerous ovules in each locule showing axile placentation. Style
simple, stigma bilobed or capitate. There are five carpels in Gardenia.
Fruit
A berry (Ixora coccinea) or a capsule (Cinchona officinalis) or a
multiple fruit (Morinda tinctoria).
Seed
Endospermous.
Botanical description of Ixora coccinea
Habit
An evergreen shrub.
Root
Branched tap root system
30
Stem
Aerial, erect, branched, cylindrical and woody.
Leaf
Simple, opposite decussate, oblong, stipulate with interpetiolar stipules
and unicostate reticulate venation.
Inflorescence
Terminal or axillary dense corymbose cyme.
Flower
Bracteate, bracteolate, dichlamydeous, bisexual, complete, tetramerous,
actinomorphic and epigynous.
Calyx
Sepals 4, green, gamosepalous showing valvate aestivation, regular
and persistent.
Corolla
Petals 4, bright red or yellow or white, gamopetalous, showing twisted
aestivation, hypocrateriform, corolla tube long and slender.
Androecium
Stamens 4, epipetalous, attached at the throat of the corolla tube,
filaments short, alternate the petals. Anthers are dithecous, basifixed,
introrse and dehiscing longitudinally.
Gynoecium
Ovary inferior, bicarpellary and syncarpous. Ovary bilocular with
one ovule in each locule showing axile placentation. Style simple and
filiform. Stigma bifid.
Fruit
A berry.
Seed
Endospermous.
Floral formula
(
Br., Brl., , , K(4), C(4), A4, G(2)

31
Corymbose cyme
Stamen
Interpetiolar stipule
Leaf
A twig L.S. of Flower
Stigma
Anther
Style
Filament
A stamen Ovary
Gynoecium
Ovule
T.S. of ovary
Floral formula
(
Br., Brl., , , K(4), C(4), A4, G(2) Floral diagram
Fig. 1.5. Ixora coccinea
32
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
1. Beverage plants
The seeds of Coffea arabica (Coffee plant) are roasted and powdered
for making coffee. The stimulating effect of coffee is due to the presence
of alkaloid “caffeine”.
2. Medicinal plants
The drug ‘quinine’ obtained from the bark of Cinchona officinalis is
used throughout the world in the treatment of malarial fever. The extract
obtained from the fruits of Randia tinctoria possesses insecticidal and
insect repellant properties.
3. Dye plants
The dyes alizarin and purpurin are obtained from the roots of Rubia
tinctoria (madder). A red dye is extracted from the root and barks of
Oldenlandia umbellata (Dye root). A yellow dye is obtained from the
barks of Morinda angustifolia.
4. Timber plants
Timber of commercial value is obtained from Adina cordifolia
(Manjakkadambu) and Morinda tinctoria (Nuna tree).
Gardenia jasminoides (cape jasmine), Ixora coccinea (Iddlipoo) and
Mussaenda frondosa (Vellai madandhai) are grown in gardens.
Self evaluation
1. Rubiaceae is placed under the series
a. Inferae b. Heteromerae
c. Bicarpellatae d. Unisexuales
2. The phyllotaxy in Ixora coccinea is
a. alternate b. opposite decussate
c. whorled d. spiral
3. In Ixora coccinea, the stamens are
a. monadelphous b. syngenesious
c. epipetalous d. diadelphous
33
4. Write a note on epipetalous stamen.
5. Write the binomial of any two dye plants of Rubiaceae.
6. Write the systematic position of Rubiaceae.
7. Draw floral diagram of Ixora coccinea and write floral formula
8. Give a brief account on economic importance of Rubiaceae.
9. Describe the essential components of Ixora coccinea.
10. Describe Ixora coccinea in botanical terms.
11. Write the general characteristic features of Rubiaceae.
34
1.3.4. ASTERACEAE – the sunflower family
Systematic position
Series: Inferae
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
General characters
Distribution
Asteraceae is the largest family of flowering plants comprising about
900 genera and more than 20,000 species. They are distributed throughout
the world. In India, about 138 genera and about 708 species are reported.
Habit
Mostly annual or perennial herbs (eg. Eupatorium odoratum) or shrubs
(eg. Senecio) or trees (eg. Vernonia arborea). Root and stem commonly
contain oil ducts. Many species have colourless latex.
Root
Normally a branched tap root system. Root tubers are found in Dahlia
coccinea.
Stem
Aerial, erect or prostrate or decumbent, tuberous (eg. Helianthus
tuberosus) or sucker eg. Chrysanthemum indicum (Akrakaram) or runner
(eg. Launaea pinnatifida).
Leaf
Simple, entire or pinnately or palmately lobed or compound, alternate
(eg. Vernonia arborea) or opposite (eg. Tridax procumbens) or whorled
(eg. Eupatorium odoratum) or radical (eg. Launaea pinnatifida), exstipulate
showing reticulate venation, hairy (Tridax procumbens) and spinous (eg.
Carthamus tinctorius).
Inflorescence
This family is characterized by the presence of head or capitulum type of
inflorescence. The number of florets in a head is variable from a few to
several hundreds, but in Echinops, the head is reduced to a single flower.
35
The heads are of two types, heterogamous and homogamous. There
are two types of florets in heterogamous heads eg. Helianthus annuus
and Tridax procumbens (Vettukkaya plant). The central florets are tubular,
bisexual and also known as disc florets. The marginal florets are ligulate,
pistillate and also known as ray florets. In homogamous heads, all the
florets are tubular as in Vernonia arborea and Ageratum mexicanum.
All the florets are ligulate as in Launaea pinnatifida.
Flower
Very small in size hence referred to as florets, sessile, bracteolate
(eg. Helianthus annuus) or ebracteolate (eg. Tridax procumbens).
Pentamerous and epigynous. The disc florets are generally complete,
bisexual and actinomorphic, whereas the ray florets are incomplete, pistillate
or neutral and zygomorphic.
Calyx
In many species calyx is reduced to numerous hairy appendages called
pappus, arranged on top of the ovary. The persistent pappus acts like a
parachute and helps in the dispersal of fruit.
Corolla
Petals 5, gamopetalous showing valvate aestivation, regular and tubular
in disc florets and irregular and ligulate or bilabiate in ray florets.
Androecium
Stamens 5, epipetalous and alternate the petals. The stamens are
syngenesious i.e. only anthers are fused into a tube around the style and
filaments are free. Anthers are dithecous, basifixed and dehiscing
longitudinally.
Gynoecium
Ovary inferior, bicarpellary and syncarpous. Ovary unilocular with a
single ovule on basal placentation. Style simple with bifid stigma.
Fruit
Cypsela, single seeded, dry indehiscent fruit developing from an
inferior ovary.
Seed
Non-endospermous.
36
Botanical description of Tridax procumbens
Habit
A decumbent herb. Stem and leaves are covered by hairs.
Root
Tap root system.
Stem
Herbaceous, cylindrical, decumbent and branched.
Leaf
Simple, opposite, exstipulate and margins dentate showing reticulate
venation.
Inflorescence
A terminal heterogamous head and receptacle of the head is convex
and surrounded by green involucre. The tubular florets occupy the centre
and the ligulate florets are found at the margins.
Tubular or disc florets
Bracteate, ebracteolate, sessile, complete, bisexual, pentamerous,
actinomorphic and epigynous.
Calyx
Reduced into numerous hairy outgrowths called pappus arranged on
top of ovary and persistent.
Corolla
Petals 5, gamopetalous, regular, tubular and showing valvate
aestivation.
Androecium
Stamens 5, epipetalous, syngenesious and alternate with petals. Anthers
are dithecous, basifixed, introrse and dehiscing longitudinally.
Gynoecium
37
Capitulum
inflorescence
Stamen
Leaf
Disc
Ray floret
floret
Involucre
A twig L.S. of head L.S. of disc floret
Syngenesious
anther Ovule
Pappus
hairs T.S. of ovary
Ovary Ovary
Disc floret Ray floret Syngenesious stemens
Floral diagram of disc floret Floral diagram of ray floret

(
Br., Ebrl., , , K ∝ , C(5), A(5), G (2) Br., Ebrl.,%, , K ∝ , C(5), A0, G (2)
Fig. 1.6. Tridax procumbens
38
Fruit
A cypsela.
Seed
Non-endospermous.
Floral formula
(
Br., Ebrl., , , K ∝ , C(5), A(5), G (2)
Ligulate or ray florets

Bracteate, ebracteolate, sessile, incomplete, pistillate, zygomorphic
and epigynous.
Calyx
Reduced into numerous hairy outgrowths called pappus arranged on
top of the ovary and persistent.
Corolla
Petals 5, gamopetalous, irregular, ligulate or bilabiate, the anterior lip
is large and 3 lobed, the posterior one is small in the form of 2 teeth like
projections showing valvate aestivation.
Androecium
Absent.
Gynoecium
Fruit
A cypsela.
Seed
Non-endospermous.
Floral formula
Br., Ebrl.,%, , K ∝ , C(5), A0, G (2)
39
Economic importance
1. Oil plants
Oil extracted from the seeds of Helianthus annuus (sunflower) is
edible and used as a cooking medium. Oil extracted from the seeds of
Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) is edible and also used in the manufacture
of soap. It contains less amount of cholesterol and therefore it is
recommended for heart patients.
2. Medicinal plants
The entire plant, Eclipta prostrata (Karisalankanni) is used in the
preparation of bathing oil and also in the treatment of jaundice, spleen and
liver disorders. The drug santonin obtained from the heads of Artemesia
maritima is used for expelling intestinal round worms.
3. Dye plants
A natural red dye obtained from Carthamus tinctorius is used for
dyeing silks. A yellow dye obtained from the flowers of Tagetus erecta is
used for dyeing cotton.
4. Pesticides
A dried powder called ‘Pyrethrum’ obtained from the flower heads
of Chrysanthemum cinerarifolium and C. coccineum is used as mosquito
repellant.
5. Beverage
Powder obtained from the seeds of Cichorium intybus (chicory/ kasini
keerai) is mixed with coffee powder. Leaves are used to treat several
diseases and also used as salad.
Helianthus annuus (sunflower), Tagetus petula (French marigold),
Calendula officinalis (pot marigold) and Zinnia elegans are grown in gardens
for their beautiful flowers.
40
Self evaluation
1. Vernonia arborea is a
a. herb b. shrub
c. tree d. twiner
2. The head is reduced to single flower in
a. Echinops b. Launaea
c. Chrysanthemum d. Dahlia.
3. Homogamous head inflorescence is found in
a. Echinops b. Launaea
c. Helianthus d. Tridax.
4. What is syngenesious stamen?
5. Write the floral formulae for ray and disc florets of Asteraceae.
6. What is pappus?
7. What is santonin?
8. What is pyrethrum?
9. Describe the gynoecium of Tridax procumbens.
10. Write the systematic position of Asteraceae.
11. Write the differences between ray and disc florest.
12. Give a brief account on the economic importance of Asteraceae.
13. Describe ray florets of Tridax procumbens.
14. Give an account on head inflorescence.
15. Describe Tridax procumbens in botanical terms.
16. Write the general characteristic features of Asteraceae.
41
1.3.5. SOLANACEAE – the potato family
Systematic position
Series: Bicarpellatae
Order: Polemoniales
Family: Solanaceae
General characters
Distribution
Solanaceae includes about 90 genera and more than 2,800 species.
The plants are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. In
India, this family is represented by 21 genera and 70 species.
Habit
Mostly annual herbs (eg. Solanum melongena), a few shrubs
eg. Solanum torvum (Sundaikaai) and rarely trees (S. giganteum).
Root
Stem
Aerial, erect, spinous eg. Solanum xanthocarpum (Kandangkathiri),
herbaceous, woody, cylindrical, branched, hairy (eg. Petunia hybrida
and Nicotiana alata). In S. tuberosum, the stem is modified into tuber.
Leaf
Petiolate, usually alternate, sometimes opposite, simple, entire (eg.
Petunia hybrida), exstipulate and showing unicostate reticulate venation.
In S. xanthocarpum, the midrib and veins are found with yellowish spines.
Inflorescence
Solitary, axillary cyme (eg. Datura stramonium) or extra axillary
scorpioid cyme called rhipidium (fan shaped cyme) as in S. nigrum or
helicoid cyme as in S. tuberosum or umbellate cyme as in Withania
somnifera.
42
Flower
Bracteate (eg. Petunia hybrida) or ebracteate eg. S. nigrum
(Manathakkaali), ebracteolate, pedicellate, dichlamydeous, pentamerous,
complete, actinomorphic (eg. Datura stramonium) or Zygomorphic (eg.
Schizanthus pinnatus), bisexual and hypogynous.
Calyx
Sepals 5, green, gamosepalous, tubular and showing valvate aestivation
eg. Datura metal (Oomathai) or imbricate aestivation (eg. Petunia hybrida),
bell shaped and persistent (S. melongena).
Corolla
Petals 5, gamopetalous, funnel shaped, rotate, tubular, usually plicate
(folded like a fan blade) showing twisted or valvate or imbricate
aestivation.
Androecium
Stamens 5, epipetalous, alternate with the petals, usually not equal in
length and filaments are inserted in the middle or basal region of corolla
tube and basifixed. Anthers dithecous, introrse, usually basifixed or
dorsifixed, dehiscing longitudinally or through apical pores (eg. S.
nigrum). In Schizanthus pinnatus, two stamens are fertile and three stamens
are reduced to staminodes.
Gynoecium
Ovary superior, bicarpellary and syncarpous. Ovary bilocular, carpels
obliquely placed and ovules on axile placentation. In Datura species,
bilocule becomes tetralocular by the formation of false septa. Style simple
and undivided. Stigma bifid or capitate.
Fruit
A berry or septicidal capsule. In Lycopersicon esculentum, the fruit
is a berry and in species of Datura and Petunia, the fruit is a capsule.
Seed
Endospermous.
43
Botanical description of Datura metal
Habit
Large, erect and stout herb.
Root
Branched tap root system.
Stem
The stem is hollow, green and herbaceous with strong odour.
Leaf
Simple, alternate, petiolate, entire or deeply lobed, glabrous showing
unicostate reticulate venation and exstipulate.
Inflorescence
Solitary and axillary cyme.
Flower
Flowers are large, greenish white, bracteate, ebracteolate, pedicellate,
complete, dichlamydeous, pentamerous, regular, actinomorphic, bisexual
and hypogynous.
Calyx
Sepals 5, green, gamosepalous showing valvate aestivation. Calyx is
mostly persistent and odd sepal is posterior in position.
Corolla
Petals 5, greenish white, gamopetalous, plicate (folded like a fan)
showing twisted aestivation, funnel shaped with wide mouth and 10 lobed.
Androecium
Stamens 5, free from one another epipetalous, alternate the petals and
are inserted in the middle of the corolla tube. Anthers are basifixed,
dithecous with long filament, introrse and longitudinally dehiscent.
Gynoecium
Ovary superior, bicarpellary and syncarpous. Ovary basically bilocular
but tetralocular due to the formation of false septa. Carpels are obliquely
placed and ovules on swollen axile placenta. Style simple, long and filiform.
Stigma two lobed.
44
Bifid stigma
Corolla
Stamen
Stigma
Calyx
Style
A twig
Ovary
Epipetalous Gynoecium
stamens
Persistent
calyx
A fruit
Ovule
Swollen
placenta
T.S. of ovary Floral diagram

(
Floral formula : Br., Ebrl., ⊕ , , K(5), C(5), A5, G (2)

Fig.1.7. Datura metal
45
Fruit
Spinescent capsule opening by four apical valves with persistent calyx.
Seed
Endospermous.
Floral Formula
(
Br., Ebrl., ⊕ , , K(5), C(5), A5, G (2)
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
1. Food plants
Tubers of Solanum tuberosum (potato) are used as common vegetable
throughout the world. Tender fruits of S. melongena (brinjal) and ripened
fruits of Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) are used as delicious vegetables.
2. Medicinal plants
Roots of Atropa belladona yield powerful alkaloid ‘atropine’. It is
used for relieving muscular pain. Leaves and flowers of Datura stramonium
are the sources of drug ‘stramonium’ used to treat asthma and whooping
cough. Leaves, flowers, berries of Solanum trilobatum (thoodhuvalai) are
used to treat cough. Roots and leaves of Withania somnifera (Amukkara)
are used to treat nervous disorder and are diuretic apart from useful tonic.
3. Tobacco
Leaves of Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) contain alkaloids nicotine,
nornicotine and anabasine. Nicotine is considered to be the principal
alkaloid in commercial tobaccos such as cigarette, bidi, pipes and hukkah
as well as chewing and snuffing. It is also used as sedative, antispasmodic
and insecticide.
Cestrum diurnum (day jasmine), C. nocturnum (night jasmine) and
Petunia hybrida (pink flower) are grown in gardens for their beautiful
flowers.
46
Self evaluation
1. Solanaceae is placed under
a. Malvales b. Polemoniales
c. Unisexuales d. Ranales.
2. In which of the following plants the midrib and veins are found
with yellowish spines
a. Solanum melongena b. Datura metal
c. Solanum xanthocarpum d. Petunia hybrida.
3. The carpels are obliquely placed in the members of
a. Malvaceae b. Solanaceae
c. Euphorbiaceae d. Musaceae
4. What is atropine?
5. Give the systematic position of Solanaceae.
6. Write the binomials of any three medicinally useful plants in
Solanaceae
7. Describe the gynoecium of members of Solanaceae.
8. Write the different types of inflorescence found in Solanaceae.
Give examples for each.
9. Draw the floral diagram and write the floral formula of Datura
metal.
10. Write any three binomials of food plants of Solanaceae.
11. Name the alkaloids found in tobacco.
12. Give an account of the economic importance of the family
Solanaceae.
13. Describe Datura metal in botanical terms.
14. Write the general characteristic features of Solanaceae.
47
1.3.6. EUPHORBIACEAE – the castor family
Systematic position
Sub-class: Monochlamydeae
Series: Unisexuales
Family: Euphorbiaceae
General characters
Distribution
Euphorbiaceae includes more than 300 genera and about 7,500 species.
It is world wide in distribution, but particularly well represented in Africa
and South America. In India, it is represented by more than 70 genera
and about 450 species.
Habit
This family includes a large number of annual herbs (eg. Phyllanthus
amarus) or shrubs (eg. Ricinus communis) or trees (eg. Phyllanthus
emblica). In several species of Euphorbia, the stem is modified to perform
photosynthesis. This modified stem is called cladode and it resembles
cactus. eg. E. tirucalli and E. antiquorum (Sadhurakkalli). This family
shows a great range of variation in vegetative and floral characters. Almost
all the plants have latex which is either milky or watery.
Root
Stem
Aerial, erect or prostrate (eg. E. prostrata), cylindrical, branched,
solid or hollow (eg. Ricinus communis), usually contains milky latex (eg.
E. tirucalli) or watery latex (eg. Jatropha curcas).
Leaf
Stipulate or exstipulate, petiolate, alternate (eg. Ricinus communis),
simple, entire or deeply lobed or trifoliately compound (eg. Hevea
brasiliensis) and with unicostate or multicostate reticulate venation. The
stipules are modified into a pair of spines (eg. E.splendens) or glandular hairs
48
(eg. Jatropha curcas). In xerophytic species of Euphorbia, leaves are
reduced or absent. The leaves around the cyathium become beautifully
coloured in E. pulcherrima (Paalperukki tree).
Inflorescence
The characteristic inflorescence of Euphorbia is cyathium. It is a
collection of unisexual flowers arranged in cymose manner on a condensed
axis and enclosed within a cup-shaped involucre. Each cyathium has a
single central female flower surrounded by two to many male flowers.
Each male flower is represented by a single stamen. They are arranged in
centrifugal manner. The pedicel in female flower is short or long. If it is
short, the female flower remains hidden within the involucre. If it is long,
the female flower comes out of involucre. Extra floral nectar secreting
gland is also located in the cyathium.
Various types of inflorescence are seen in the members of
Euphorbiaceae. In Ricinus communis, it is a panicle where female and
male flowers are arranged in racemose manner. Female flowers are at the
top and male flowers below. In Croton sparsiflorus (Eli amanakku), the
inflorescence is simple raceme, whereas in Acalypha indica (Kuppaimeni),
it is catkin. In Phyllanthus amarus, the male and female flowers are
axillary and solitary.
Flower
Bracteate, ebracteolate, pedicellate, unisexual, monoecious or dioecious,
incomplete and hypogynous. In Euphorbia , the male flower is represented
by a single stamen and female flower by a single pistil.
Perianth
In Croton sparsiflorus, the male flowers have two whorls of perianth
whereas the female flowers have a single whorl of perianth. The male
and female flowers of Euphorbia are usually devoid of perianth i.e aphyllous.
The tepals are polyphyllous in Phyllanthus amarus and gamophyllous in
Ricinus communis.
Androecium
Stamen one to many, free or united. In Ricinus communis, the stamen
is polyadelphous and the filaments are branched. They are fused into
49
several bundles. Anthers are dithecous. Rudimentary ovary called pistillode
is often present in male flowers.
Gynoecium
Ovary superior, tricarpellary and syncarpous. Ovary trilocular with
one or two ovules in each locule on axile placentation. Ovary is distinctly
three lobed. Styles three, each ending in a bifid stigma.
Fruit
Most commonly schizocarpic capsule or drupe. It is regma in Ricinus
communis, dehiscing into three cocci.
Seed
Endospermous.
Botanical description of Ricinus communis

Habit
Perennial shrub.
Root
Branched tap root system.
Stem
Aerial, erect, herbaceaous but woody below, branched and hollow.
Young branches are covered with hair like outgrowth. Latex is present.
Leaf
Petiolate, exstipulate, alternate, deeply palmately lobed with 7 or more
lobes. Venation is palmately reticulate divergent.
Inflorescence
Compound raceme or panicle and terminal. Male flowers are seen
below and female flowers near the apex.
Male Flower
Bracteate, ebracteolate, pedicellate, actinomorphic and incomplete.
50
Perianth
Tepals 5, arranged in single whorl, gamophyllous, valvate aestivation
and odd tepal is posterior in position.
Androecium
Stamens many, polyadelphous, filaments branched and united to form
five branches. Anthers are dithecous, globose, basifixed, introrse and
dehiscing by longitudinal slits.
Gynoecium
Absent but pistillode is present.
Floral Formula
Br., Ebrl., ⊕, , P(5), A∝, G0.
Female Flower
Bracteate, ebracteolate, pedicellate, actinomorphic, incomplete and
hypogynous.
Perianth
Tepals 3 arranged in single whorl and gamophyllous showing valvate
aestivation.
Androecium
Absent but staminode is present.
Gynoecium
one ovule in each locule on axile placentation. Styles 3, deep red and
long. Bifid with feathery stigma.
Fruit
Fruit is called regma. It is covered by spinous outgrowths. The
fruit splits into three one seeded cocci.
Seed
Endospermous.
Floral Formula
Br., Ebrl.,⊕, + , P (3), A 0, G (3).
51
Female flower
Male
flower
A twig
Stamen
Stamen Stigma
Ovary
Anther
A male flower Filament Perianth
Stigma
Polyadelphous A stamen A female flower
stamens
Ovule
L.S. of Female flower
Ovule
C.S. of ovary
Male flower-floral diagram Female flower-floral diagram
Br., Ebrl., ⊕, , P(5), A∝, G0. Br., Ebrl.,⊕, + , P (3), A 0, G (3).
Fig. 1.8. Ricinus communis

52
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
1. Food plants
The tuberous root of Manihot esculenta (tapioca) is rich in starch and
forms valuable food stuff. The fleshy fruits of Phyllanthus emblica
(Gooseberry) are rich in vitamin C. The fruit is edible and pickled.
2. Oil plants
Castor oil extracted from the seeds of Ricinus communis (Castor) is
used as lubricant, vegetable oil and purgative. Jatropha oil obtained from
the seeds of Jatropha curcas (Kattamanakku) is used as purgative, to treat
skin diseases and to extract bio-diesel.
3. Medicinal plants
The entire shoot system of Phyllanthus amarus (Keezhanelli) is used
to treat jaundice. The leaves and roots of Jatropha gossypifolia are used
in the treatment of leprosy and snakebite.
4. Rubber plants
Over 98% of total natural rubber produced in the world is obtained
from the coagulated latex of Hevea brasiliensis (para rubber) and Manihot
glaziovii (manicoba rubber).
Euphorbia pulcherrima, Codiaeum variegatum (croton of gardens),
E. tirucalli (milk bush) are examples for ornamental plants.
Self evaluation
1. Euphorbiaceae includes about
a. 82 genera. b. 90 genera
c. 300 genera d. 254 genera.
2. Ricinus communis is a
a. herb b. shrub
c. tree d. cladode.
53
3. An example of cladode is
a. Phyllanthus emblica b. Ricinus communis
c. Jatropha curcas d. Euphorbia tirucalli.
4. In Hevea brasiliensis, the leaves are
a. simple b. trifoliately compound
c. sessile d. palmately lobed.
5. Write the systematic position of Euphorbiaceae.
6. What is cladode? Give an example.
7. What are different types of inflorescence seen in Euphorbiaceae?
Give example for each.
8. Mention the binomials of two rubber plants of Euphorbiaceae
9. Describe the inflorescence of Ricinus communis.
10. Describe the cyathium inflorescence.
11. Write different types of inflorescence seen in Euphorbiaceae.
Give examples for each.
12. Describe the male flower of Ricinus communis.
13. Describe the female flower of Ricinus communis.
14. Write a brief account on different types of inflorescences of
Euphorbiaceae.
15. Write a detailed account on the economic importance of
Euphorbiaceae.
16. Describe Ricinus communis in botanical terms.
17. Give an account of the general characteristic features of
Euphorbiaceae.
54
MONOCOT FAMILY
1.3.7 MUSACEAE - the banana family
Systematic position
Class : Monocotyledonae
Series : Epigynae
Family : Musaceae
General characters
Distribution
Musaceae includes about 6 genera and about 150 species. The
members of this family are widely distributed over tropical regions of
the world. In India it is represented by 2 genera and about 25 species.
Habit
Mostly perennial herbs attaining considerable height, perennating
by means of rhizome (eg. Musa paradisiaca - Banana), rarely trees
(eg. Ravenala madagascariensis - Traveller’s palm) and watery sap is
present.
Root
Generally fibrous adventitious root system is seen.
Stem
In Musa the real stem is underground called rhizome. The
apparent, unbranched, errect and areal pseudostem is formed by the
long, stiff and sheathy leaf bases which are rolled around one another
to form an aerial pseudostem. The central axis that is concealed at the
bottom of the pseudostem is called shaft. At the time of flowering, the
shaft elongates, pierces through the pseudostem and produces an
inflorescence terminally. Musa is a monocorpic perennial, because it
produces flowers and fruits once during its life time. In Ravenala, the
stem is aerial and woody.
Leaf
Simple with a long and strong petiole. The leaf blade is large
and broad with sheathy leaf base. The leaf is extipulate and obtuse.
The pinnately parellel venation extends upto the leaf margin. The
55
phyllotaxy is spiral in Musa but in Ravenala it is distichous i.e. the
leaves are arranged in two rows on the same sides.
Inflorescence
In Musa, the inflorescence is branced spadix. The flowers are
protected by large, brightly coloured, spirally arranged, boat shaped
bracts called spathes. When the flowers open, the spathes roll back
and finally fall off. In Ravenalea, the inflorescence is a compound
cyme. In Musa, the flowers are polygamous i.e. staminate flowers,
pistillate flowers and bisexual flowers are present in the same plant.
The male flowers lie within the upper bracts, the female flowers within
the lower bracts and the bisexual flowers within the middle bracts.
Flowers
Brateate, ebractiolate, sessile, trimerous, unisexual or bisexual,
when unisexual, the flowers are monoecious. The flowers are
zygomorphic and epigynous.
Perianth
Tepals 6, arranged in two whorls of 3 each, free or united. In
Musa, the three tepals of the outer whorl and the two lateral tepals of
the inner whorl are fused by valvate aestivation to form 5 toothed tube
like structure. The inner posterior tepal is alone free. It is distinctly
broad and membranous.
Androecium
Basically stamens 6, in two whorls of 3 each, arranged opposite
to the tepals. In Musa only 5 stamens are fertile and the inner posterior
stamen is either absent or represented by a staminode. In Ravenala,
all the 6 stamens are fertile. Anthers are dithecous and they dehisce by
vertical slits. The filament is filiform and rudimentary ovary or pistillode
is often present in the male flower.
Gynoecium
Ovary inferior, tricarpellary, syncarpous, trilocular, numerous
ovules on axile placentation. The style is simple and filiform. The
stigma is three lobed.
Fruit
An elongated fleshy berry without seeds eg. Musa and a capsule
eg. Ravenala.
Seed: Non - endospermous 56
Botanical description of Musa paradisiaca
Habit
Gignatic monocorpic perennial herb.
Root
Fibrous adventitious root system.
Stem
The real stem is underground called rhizome. The apparent,
unbranched, errect and areal pseudostem is formed by the long, stiff
and sheathy leaf bases which are rolled around one another to form an
aerial pseudostem. The central axis that is concealed at the bottom of
the pseudostem is called shaft. At the time of flowering, the shaft
elongates, pierces through the pseudostem and produces an inflorescence
terminally.
Leaf
Simple with a long and strong petiole. The leaf blade is large
and broad with sheathy leaf base. The leaf is extipulate and obtuse.
The pinnately parellel venation extends upto the leaf margin. The
phyllotaxy is spiral.
Inflorescence
It is branced spadix. The flowers are protected by large, brightly
coloured, spirally arranged, boat shaped bracts called spathes. When
the flowers open, the spathes roll back and finally fall off.
Flowers
Brateate, ebractiolate, sessile, trimerous, unisexual or bisexual,
when unisexual, the flowers are monoecious. The flowers are
zygomorphic and epigynous.
Perianth
Tepals 6, arranged in two whorls of 3 each. The three tepals of
the outer whorl and the two lateral tepals of the inner whorl are fused
by valvate aestivation to form 5 toothed tube like structure. The inner
posterior tepal is alone free. It is distinctly broad and membranous.
57
Leaf
Stigma
Fused
tepals
Branched
spadix
Pseudostem Spathe Stamen
Stigma
Musa paradisiaca Spathe with flowers Bisexual flower
Anther
Filament
Style
Ovary
Fused tepals Inner posterior
(3+2) free tepal
Carpel Stamens ⊗ Gynoecium

Ovule
Locule
T.S. of ovary
Floral formula : Bisexual flower
Br., Ebrl., ⊗ , , P(3+2)+1, A 3+3, G(3).
Fig. 1.9. Musa paradisiaca

Floral diagram
58
Androecium
Stamens 6, in two whorls of 3 each, arranged opposite to the
tepals. Only 5 stamens are fertile and the inner posterior stamen is
either absent or represented by a staminode. Anthers are dithecous and
they dehisce by vertical slits. The filament is filiform and rudimentary
ovary or pistillode is often present in the male flower.
Gynoecium
Ovary inferior, tricarpellary, syncarpous, trilocular, numerous
ovules on axile placentation. The style is simple and filiform. The
stigma is three lobed.
Fruit
An elongated fleshy berry and the seeds are not produced in
cultivated varities.
Floral formulae
Male flower .. Br., Ebrl., ⊗, , P(3+2)+1, A 3+3 , G 0.
Female flower .. Br., Ebrl., ⊗, , P(3+2)+1, A 0, G(3).
Bisexual flower .. Br., Ebrl., ⊗, , P(3+2)+1, A 3+3, G(3).
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
1. Food plants
The fruits of Musa paradisiaca (Banana) are edible. The tender
green bananas, the shaft and the flowers are cooked and eaten as
vegetable. The leaves are commonly used as plates on festive occassions.
The sap obtained from the sheathy leaf bases is considered to be an
antidote for cobra bite. The small fruits obtained from Musa chinensis
(Dwarf banana) are sweet and edible.
2. Fibre plant
The fibres obtained from sheathy leaf bases of Musa textilis
(Manila hemp) are woven into Abaca cloth and used for cordage. It is
also known as Manila hemp. This plant is extensively grown in
Philippines.
Ravenala madagascariensis (Traveller’s palm), Strelitzia reginae
(the bird of paradise flower) and Heliconia sp. are grown as
ornamentals.
59
Self evaluation
I. Choose and write the correct options.
1. “The bird of paradise flower” refers to
a. Musa paradisiaca b. Strelitzia reginae
c. Ravenala madagascariensis d. Heliconia sp.
2. The phyllotaxy in Musa is
a. alternate b. opposite
c. distichous d. spiral
3. In inflorescence in Ravenala madagascariensis is
a. compound cyme b. compound raceme
c. branched spadix d. simple raceme
4. The number of fertile stamens in Ravenala madagascariensis is
a. three b. fourc
c. five d. six
5. What is polygamous ? Give an example.
6. What is monocorpic perennial ? Give an example.
7. Write the systematic position of Musaceae.
8. Explain the gynoecium of Musa paradisiaca,.
9. Draw the floral diagram of bisexual flower of Musa paradisiaca and
write floral formula.
10. What is pseudostem? How is it formed in Musa paradisiaca ?
11. List out the economic importance of Musa paradisiaca.
III. Answer the following in about 100 words.
12. Write the differences between Musa and Ravenala.
13. Describe the androecium and gynoecium of Musa paradisiaca.
14. Write the economic importance of members of Musaceae.
IV. Answer the following questions in 200 words.
15. Describe Musa paradisiaca in technical terms.
16. Write the general characteristic features of Musaceae.
60
1.3.8. ARECACEAE – the palm family
Systematic position
Class: Monocotyledonae
Series: Calycinae
Family: Arecaceae
General characters
Distribution
Arecaceae is one of the largest families in monocotyledons. It includes
about 217 genera and more than 2,500 species. The members of this
family are distributed throughout the tropical regions of the world. In
India, it is represented by about 25 genera and more than 225 species.
Habit
Mostly unbranched trees with arborescent stem having prominent
scars of leaf bases and a crown of large leaves (eg. Cocos nucifera) or
shrubs eg. Nipa fruticans has no aerial stem and leaves arise directly from
the underground rhizome.
Root
Fibrous and adventitious root system.
Stem
Mostly aerial, erect, unbranched and columnar having prominent scars
of leaf bases. Stem is short and stumpy in Phoenix acaulis. Internodes
are usually short.
Leaf
Exstipulate, petiolate, petiole long and very strong with sheathing leaf
base, palmately compound (eg. Borassus flabellifer) and usually in terminal
clusters. Phyllotaxy is usually alternate spiral but scattered in Calamus.
Venation is pinnately parallel (eg. Cocos nucifera) or palmately parallel
divergent (eg. Borassus flabellifer).
Inflorescence
Large, usually lateral arising from the axils of leaves, spadix (eg.
Phoenix sylvestris) or compound spadix (eg. Cocos nucifera) enclosed by
61
a large woody bract called spathe. In Corypha umbraculifera
(Kudai panai), the spadix is terminal and it measures about 10 metres. It is
a monocarpic plant. The plants are polycarpic and monoecious (eg. Cocos
nucifera) or dioecious (eg. Borassus flabellifer).
Flower
Bracteate, ebracteolate, sessile, usually unisexual and monoecious or
dioecious, trimerous, incomplete, actinomorphic and hypogynous. In
Borassus flabellifer, the male flowers are smaller than female flowers. In
Cocos nucifera male flowers are densely arranged at the upper portions of
the spike and female flowers are at the base of the spike.
Perianth
Tepals 6 arranged in two whorls of three each, persistent, polyphyllous
or gamophyllous showing valvate or twisted or imbricate aestivation. In
Phoenix acaulis, the tepals of outer whorl are united and valvate while
that of inner whorl are free and twisted.
Androecium
Stamens 6 arranged in two whorls of three each and opposite to
tepals. Anthers are dithecous, basifixed or dorsifixed, introrse and dehiscing
longitudinally. Pistillode is usually present in male flowers.
Gynoecium
single ovule showing axile placentation. In Phoenix acaulis, the placentation
is basal. Style extremely short or absent and stigma three. Staminode is
present in female flowers. In Cocos nucifera, two carpels become abortive
out of three.
Fruit
A drupe with fibrous mesocarp.
Seed
Seed with small embryo and abundant endosperm.
62
Botanical description of Cocos nucifera
Habit
Unbranched tree with arborescent stem and a crown of large leaves.
It grows to a height of 60 to 100 feet.
Root
Fibrous and adventitious root system. As the stem increases in
diameter, new roots are added at higher levels from the massive basal
cushion and the youngest roots are visible above the soil surface.
Stem
Aerial, erect, unbranched and columnar, having prominent scars of
leaf bases. Internodes are usually short.
Leaf
Exstipulate, petiolate, petiole long and very strong with sheathing leaf
base, spiral and pinnately compound showing parallel venation.
Inflorescence
Large, lateral arising from the axils of leaves, compound spadix,
enclosed by large woody bract called spathe. Each spike in the spadix
bears 2 to 3 female flowers at the base and 200 to 300 male flowers at the
top. Flowers are protandrous, the female flowers open, after the male
flowers have withered.
Male flower
Bracteate, ebracteolate, sessile, staminate, incomplete, trimerous,
actinomorphic and pistillodes are present.
Perianth
Tepals 6 arranged in two whorls of three each, persistent and
polyphyllous showing valvate aestivation in both the whorls. Inner odd
tepal is posterior in position.
Androecium
Stamens 6 arranged in two whorls of three each and antiphyllous.
Anthers are dithecous, basifixed, introrse and dehiscing longitudinally.
63
Spathe
Male flower
Pinnately Female flower
compound leaf
Spathe Spadix with spathe
Drupe
Stem
Male flower Female flower L.S. of female flower
Coconut plant
Floral diagram of male flower Floral diagram of female flower

Br., Ebrl., , , P3+3, A3+3, G0. Br., Ebrl., , , P3+3, A0, G (3).
Fig. 1.10. Cocos nucifera
64
Gynoecium
Absent but pistillode is present.
Floral formula
Br., Ebrl., , , P3+3, A3+3, G0.
Female flower
Bracteate, ebracteolate, sessile, pistillate, incomplete, trimerous,
actinomorphic and hypogynous.
Perianth
Tepals 6 arranged in two whorls of three each, persistent, and
polyphyllous showing imbricate aestivation in both the whorls. The inner
posterior tepal is completely outside.
Androecium
Absent but staminodes are present.
Gynoecium
single ovule showing axile placentation. Style is absent and stigmas three.
Out of three carpels, two become abortive.
Fruit
Fibrous drupe with stony endocarp.
Seed
With small embryo and abundant endosperm.
Floral formula
Br., Ebrl., , , P3+3, A0, G (3).
Economic importance
1. Edible products
The fluid of tender fruit of Cocos nucifera (kalpa vriksha – coconut
palm) is sweet and refreshing drink. The boiled young seedlings of Borassus
flabellifer (palmyra palm) are edible and its fruits are eaten raw.
65
2. Oil plants
The oil obtained from dried endosperm of Cocos nucifera is called
cocoanut oil. It is used for cooking, for the preparation of vegetable fat
(ghee) and as hair oil. The oil obtained from fleshy mesocarp of Elaeis
guineansis is called palm oil. It is mainly used for the manufacture of
soap.
3. Toddy
A sugary solution obtained by cutting young peduncles of Cocos
nucifera, Borassus flabellifer and Phoenix sylvestris (Eechai) is used for
manufacturing jaggery. This sugary solution on fermentation yields the
beverage called ‘toddy’. This sap is also used for manufacturing a number
of commercially useful products such as palm sugar, alcohol and vinegar.
4. Timber plants
Dense stem wood of Borassus flabellifer and Cocos nucifera is used
as timber.
Adonidia merilli (Manila palm) and Caryota urens (wine palm).
Self evaluation
1. Arecaceae is placed under the series
a. Unisexuales b. Polemoniales
c. Multiovulatae aquatica d. Calycinae
2. Arecaceae includes
a. 217 genera b. 482 genera
c. 500 genera d. 900 genera.
3. Borassus flabellifer is the binomial of
a. coconut tree b. wine palm
c. royal palm d. palmyra palm.
4. In Corypha umbraculifera, the spadix measures about
a. two metres b. five metres
c. eight metres d. ten metres.
66
II. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.
5. Write the systematic position of Arecaceae.
6. Describe the gynoecium of Cocos nucifera.
7. Write the floral formula of male and female flower of Cocos
nucifera.
8. What is a ‘toddy’ ? State its uses.
9. Write a brief account on the economic importance of Arecaceae.
10. Draw the floral diagrams of Cocos nucifera and write their floral
formulae.
11. Describe Cocos nucifera in botanical terms.
12. Write the general characteristic features of Arecaceae.
Reference books
1. Taxonomy of vascular plants - G.H.M. Lawrence, Indian edn.
1967.
2. Angiosperms by Dr. K.V. Krishnamurthy 1976.
3. Evolution and phylogeny of plants - J. Hutchinson 1969.
4. Taxonomy of angiosperms by P.C. Vasishta 1996.
5. Practical botany volume I and II by B.P. Pandey 2004.
6. Taxonomy of angiosperms by S. Palaniappan – Tamil version.
7. Flora of Tamil Nadu by Dr. K.K. Rammurthy – Tamil version.
8. Modern trends in plant taxonomy - Kasinathan – Tamil version.
67
2. PLANT ANATOMY
Plant anatomy (Ana = as under, tamnein = to cut) is the study of
internal structure and organization of plants, especially of their parts by
means of dissection and microscopic examination. The simple type of
plant body is unicellular. In such forms, the single cell performs all the
vital functions of life. It grows, prepares food, undergoes metabolism,
reproduces and completes its span of life. The progressive evolution in
plants has resulted in increasing complexity of structures. In higher plants,
root, stem, leaves and flowers carry out different functions. Due to these
divisions of labour, the cells of the plant are differentiated to form different
tissues.
2.1. Tissues and tissue systems
The study of internal structure of plants reveals many types of tissues.
Morphologically, a tissue is a group of cells, which are similar in origin,
form and function. Physiologically, a tissue is composed of dissimilar
cells that perform a common function, for example, phloem elements and
food conduction respectively. The cells form various kinds of tissues.
Two or more types of tissues form tissue systems. Different tissue systems
form the organs. Each tissue carries out a specific function. Tissues can
be classified into two types – Meristematic tissue and permanent tissue.
Meristematic tissue
A meristematic tissue (meristos = divisible) is a group of identical
cells that are in a continuous state of division. Some cells produced by
meristematic tissue stop dividing and acquire certain changes to become
permanent tissues of the plant. This change from meristematic to permanent
tissue is called differentiation. The remaining cells in the meristem retain
their meristematic activity. Meristematic cells are self-perpetuating.
Characteristics of meristematic cells
The meristematic cells may be round, oval, polygonal or rectangular
in shape. They are closely arranged without intercellular spaces. They
have dense cytoplasm with large nucleus. They have smaller vacuoles,
which are scattered throughout the cytoplasm. Their cell walls are thin,
elastic and made up of cellulose.
68
Classification of meristem
Based on its position, the meristem is divided into three types – apical
meristem, intercalary meristem and lateral meristem.
Apical meristem
Apical meristem is found at the tips of roots, stem and branches. It is
responsible for increase in length of plant. It is divided into three zones –
protoderm, procambium and ground meristem. Protoderm gives rise
to epidermal tissue; procambium gives rise to primary vascular tissues
and ground meristem gives rise to cortex and pith.
Intercalary meristem
It is present in the nodal region and is prominently found in
monocotyledons, eg. grasses. As the name indicates, it is present in
between the permanent tissues. It is derived from the apical meristem and
is responsible for the elongation of internodes.
Lateral meristem
The meristem that is present along the longitudinal axis of stem and
root is called lateral meristem. Vascular cambium and cork cambium
(phellogen) are examples for lateral meristem. It produces secondary
permanent tissues, which result in the thickening of stem and root.
Apical meristem
Intercalary meristem
Lateral meristem
Fig. 2.1. L.S of shoot - showing the positions of meristems

69
Permanent tissue
The cells, which are formed by apical meristem, are differentiated
into different types of permanent tissues. These tissues have lost the
power of dividing either permanently or temporarily.
Classification of permanent tissue
Based on the constituent cells, the permanent tissue is classified into
two types – simple tissue and complex tissue.
Simple tissue
A tissue with the cells of similar structure and function is called
simple tissue. It is of three types - parenchyma, collenchyma and
sclerenchyma.
Parenchyma
It is generally present in all organs of the plant. It constitutes the
ground tissue in a plant. Parenchyma is the precursor of all the
other tissues. Parenchyma is a living tissue and made up of thin walled
cells. The cell wall is made up of cellulose. Parenchyma cells may be
Nucleus
Cytoplasm
Vacuole
Intercellular
space
Starch grains
Parenchyma tissue Storage parenchyma
Chloroplast
Inter cellular
space
Aerenchyma Palisade parenchyma

Fig. 2.2 Types of parenchyma tissues
70
oval, spherical, rectangular, cylindrical or stellate. The cells are usually
polyhedral with 10 to12 facets. Parenchyma is of different types and
some of them are discussed as follows.
In water plants, the parenchyma found in the cortex region possesses
well-developed large intercellular spaces called air spaces. This air filled
parenchyma tissue is called aerenchyma. It helps the plant to float in
water. eg. Nymphaea and Hydrilla. The parenchyma cells that are stored
with starch grains are called storage parenchyma. eg. stem and root
tubers. In the petioles of banana and Canna, star shaped parenchyma
cells are found. These cells are called stellate parenchyma. In green
parts of the plants, the parenchymatous cells have chloroplasts. These
cells are called chlorenchyma. Its important function is photosynthesis.
Collenchyma
Collenchyma generally occurs in the dicot stems in two or
more layers below the epidermis. These layers constitute the
hypodermis. It is absent in the roots of land plants. It also occurs in
petiole and pedicel. It gives strength to young organs. Collenchyma
is a living tissue. It consists of more or less elongated cells, which
are polygonal in cross section. The cell wall is unevenly thickened.
The thickening is confined to the corners of the cells. Besides cellulose,
the cell wall contains high amounts of hemicellulose and pectin.
Angular wall thickening
Cell wall Vacuole

Nucleus
Angular collenchyma Lacunae

Lamellar
thickening
Lacunate collenchyma
Lamellar collenchyma
Fig. 2.3. Types of collenchyma
71
Collenchyma may contain chloroplasts and carry out photosynthesis.
Collenchyma is divided into three types – lamellar, angular and lacunate
collenchyma.
In the hypodermis of Helianthus, only the tangential walls of
collenchyma are thickened and the radial walls are devoid of thickening.
This type of collenchyma is called lamellar collenchyma. In the
hypodermis of Datura and Nicotiana, the cell walls of collenchyma are
thickened at their angles. This type is called angular collenchyma. In the
hypodermis of Ipomoea, the cell wall thickening materials are deposited
on the walls bordering the intercellular spaces. This type is called lacunate
collenchyma.
Sclerenchyma
Sclerenchyma is a dead tissue. The cells have lignified secondary
walls. They lack protoplasts. On the basis of origin, structure and
function, sclerenchyma is divided into two types – sclereids and fibres.
The sclereids are different from fibres in the following respects. Sclereids
are shorter whereas fibres are longer. Sclereids possess numerous pits
as compared to the fibres.
Sclereids
Sclereids are dead cells. They vary greatly in shape and thickness.
The cell wall is very thick due to lignification. Lumen is very much
reduced. The pits may be simple or branched. Usually sclereids are
isodiametric, but in some plants they are elongated. They are responsible
for the rigidity of the seed-coat. The isodiametric sclereids are called
brachy-sclereids (stone cells). They are found in bark, pith, cortex, hard
endocarp and fleshy portions of some fruits. eg. pulp of Pyrus.
Elongated rod shaped sclereids are called macrosclereids (rod cells).
They are found in the outer seed coat. eg. Crotalaria. The rod shaped
sclereids with dilated ends are called osteosclereids (bone cells). eg. seed
coat of Pisum.
72
Lignified wall
Lumen
Branched pits Lignified

cell wall
Simple pit
Brachy sclereids
Lumen
Macro sclereids Osteo sclereid A fibre

Fig. 2.4. Types of sclerenchyma
Fibres
Fibre cells are dead cells. They are very long and narrow with pointed
ends. In transverse section, the fibres are polygonal with narrow lumen.
The secondary wall is evenly thickened with lignin. It possesses simple
pits. Fibres are supporting tissues. They provide mechanical strength
to the plants and protect them from the strong winds. The fibres that are
found in the seed coat of some seeds are called surface fibres. eg. cotton.
Complex tissue
A tissue that consists of several kinds of cells but all of them function
together as a single unit is called complex tissue. It is of two types –
xylem and phloem.
Xylem
Xylem (Greek word ‘xylos’= wood) is a complex tissue that is mainly
responsible for the conduction of water and mineral salts from roots to
other parts of the plant. The xylem, which is derived from procambium,
is called primary xylem and the xylem, which is derived from vascular
cambium, is called secondary xylem. Earlier formed xylem elements
are called protoxylem, whereas the later formed xylem elements are called
73
metaxylem. Xylem is made up of four kinds of cells - tracheids, vessels
or tracheae, xylem fibres and xylem parenchyma.
Tracheids
Tracheids are elongated with blunt ends. Its lumen is broader than
that of fibres. Their secondary wall is lignified. In cross section, the
tracheids appear polygonal and thick walled. The pits are simple or
bordered. There are different types of cell wall thickening due to deposition
of secondary wall substances. They are annular (ring like), spiral (spring
like), scalariform (ladder like), reticulate (net like) and pitted (uniformly
thick except at pits). Tracheids are imperforate cells with bordered pits on
their end walls. They are arranged one above the other. Tracheids are
chief water conducting elements in gymnosperms and pteridophytes.
Here, the conduction of water and mineral salts takes place through the
bordered pits. They also offer mechanical support to the plants.
Vessels or Tracheae
Vessels are perforated at the end walls. Its lumen is wider than that
of tracheids. The perforated plates at the end wall separate the vessels.
They occur parallel to the long axis of the plant body. Due to dissolution
of entire end wall, a single pore is formed at the perforation plate.
It is called simple perforation plate eg. Mangifera. If the perforation
plate has many pores, then it is called multiple perforation plate.
eg. Liriodendron.
The secondary wall thickenings of vessels are annular, spiral, sca-
lariform, reticulate, or pitted as in tracheids. Vessels are chief water
Annular Spiral Scalariform Reticulate Pitted

Fig. 2.5. Types of secondary wall thickenings in tracheids
74
Bordered pit
Bordered pit
Simple pit Simple
pit
Cytoplasm
Nucleus
Vessel Xylem
parenchyma
Tracheid Xylem fibre
Fig. 2.6. Kinds of xylem cells
conducting elements in angiosperms and they are absent in pteridophytes

and gymnosperms. However, in Gnetum of gymnosperms, vessels oc-
cur. The main function of vessel is conduction of water and minerals.
It also offers mechanical strength to the plant.
Xylem fibres
The fibres of sclerenchyma associated with the xylem are known as
xylem fibres. They give additional mechanical support to the plant
body. They are present both in primary and secondary xylem. Xylem
fibres are dead cells and have lignified walls with narrow lumen. Xylem
fibres are also called libriform fibres.
Xylem parenchyma
The parenchyma cells associated with the xylem are known as xylem
parenchyma. Xylem parenchyma is the only living tissue amongst the
consituents of xylem. The cell wall is thin and made up of cellulose. The
xylem parenchyma cells store food reserves in the form of starch and
fat. They also assist in conduction of water.
75
Phloem
Like xylem, phloem is also a complex tissue. It conducts food
materials to various parts of the plant. The phloem elements which are
formed from the procambium of apical meristem are called primary
phloem. The phloem elements which are produced by the vascular cambium
are called secondary phloem. The primary phloem elements that develop
first from the procambium are smaller in size called the protophloem,
whereas those develop later are larger in size called metaphloem. The
protophloem is short lived. It is crushed by the developing metaphloem.
Callose
Phloem
parenchyma Lignified
Companion wall
Slime body
cell Lumen
Cytoplasmic
Sieve tube strands
Sieve plate
Phloem fibre (bast fibre)
Fig. 2.7. Phloem tissue
Phloem is composed of four kinds of cells: sieve elements, companion

cells,phloem parenchyma and phloem fibres. Companion cells are present
only in angiosperms. Companion cells are absent in pteridophytes and
gymnosperms. Phloem fibres are absent in the primary phloem of most of
the angiosperms. But they are usually present in the secondary phloem.
Sieve elements
Sieve elements are the conducting elements of the phloem. They have
thick primary walls. Their end walls are transverse or oblique. The end
wall contains a number of pores and it looks like a sieve. So it is called a
sieve plate.The sieve elements are arranged one above the other and form
vertical sieve tubes. In matured sieve tube, nucleus is absent. It contains
76
a lining layer of cytoplasm. This is an important feature of sieve elements.
A special protein called slime body is seen in it. The conduction of food
material takes place through cytoplasmic strands. They are distinguished
into sieve cells and sieve tubes.Sieve cells occur in pteridophytes and
gymnosperms, while sieve tubes occur in angiosperms.
Sieve cells have sieve areas on their lateral walls only and are not
arranged one above the other in linear rows. They are not associated with
companion cells. Sieve tubes are arranged one above the other in linear
rows and have sieve plates on their end walls. They are associated with
the companion cells. In mature sieve elements, sometimes the pores in the
sieve plate are blocked by a substance called callose.
Companion cells
The thin-walled, elongated, specialised parenchyma cells, which are
associated with the sieve elements, are called companion cells. In contrast
to sieve elements, the companion cells have cytoplasm and a prominent
nucleus. They are connected to the sieve tubes through pits found in the
lateral walls. The companion cells are present only in angiosperms and
absent in gymnosperms and pteridophytes. They assist the sieve tubes in
the conduction of food materials.
Phloem parenchyma
The parenchyma cells associated with the phloem are called phloem
parenchyma. These are living cells. They store starch and fats. They
also contain resins and tannins in some plants. They are present in all ,
pteridophytes, gymnosperms and dicots. In monocots, usually phloem
parenchyma is absent.
Phloem fibres
The fibres of sclerenchyma associated with phloem are called phloem
fibres or bast fibres. They are narrow, vertically elongated cells with
very thick walls and a small lumen (the cell cavity). Among the four
kinds of phloem elements, phloem fibres are the only dead tissue. These
are the strengthening and supporting cells.
The tissue system
A group of tissues performing a similar function irrespective of its
position in the plant body is called a tissue system. In 1875, Sachs
77
recognized three tissue systems in the plants. They are epidermal tissue
system, vascular tissue system and fundamental tissue system.
Epidermal tissue system
Epidermal tissue system is the outermost covering of plants. It consists
of epidermis, stomata and epidermal outgrowths. Epidermis is generally
composed of single layer of parenchymatous cells compactly arranged
without intercellular spaces. But it is interrupted by stomata. In leaves
some specialized cells which surround the stomata are called the guard
cells. Chloroplasts are present only in the guard cells of the epidermis.
Other epidermal cells usually do not have chloroplasts. The outer wall of
epidermis is usually covered by cuticle.
Long cell
Guard Short cell
cell (trichoblast)
Stoma
Lower Unicellular Branched multi- Rhizodermal

epidermis hair cellular hair cell types
Fig. 2.8. Epidermal tissue system
Stoma is a minute pore surrounded by two guard cells. The stomata
occur mainly in the epidermis of leaves. In some plants such as sugarcane,
the guard cells are bounded by some special cells. They are distinct from
other epidermal cells. These cells are called subsidiary or accessory cells.
Trichomes and root hairs are some epidermal outgrowths. The unicellular
or multicellular appendages that originate from the epidermal cells are
called trichomes. Trichomes may be branched or unbranched. Rhizodermis
has two types of epidermal cells - long cells and short cells. The short cells
are called trichoblasts. Root hairs are produced from these trichoblasts.
Functions of epidermal tissue system
1. This tissue system in the shoot checks excessive loss of water due
to the presence of cuticle.
78
2. Epidermis protects the underlying tissues.
3. Stomata involve in transpiration and gaseous exchange.
4. Trichomes are also helpful in the dispersal of seeds and fruits.
5. Root hairs absorb water and mineral salts from the soil.
Vascular tissue system
The vascular tissue system consists of xylem and phloem. The elements
of xylem and phloem are always organized in groups. They are called
vascular bundles. In dicot stem, the vascular bundle consists of cambial
tissue in between xylem and phloem. Such vascular bundle is called open
vascular bundle. In monocot stem, cambium is absent in the vascular
bundle, hence it is known as closed vascular bundle
In roots, xylem and phloem are arranged in an alternate manner on
different radii. It is called radial arrangement. In stems and leaves,
xylem and phloem are arranged at the same radius and form a vascular
bundle together. Such vascular bundle is called conjoint vascular bundle.
Depending upon the mutual relationship of xylem and phloem, conjoint
vascular bundles are divided into three types. They are collateral,
bicollateral and concentric.
Phloem
Cambium Phloem
Xylem
Xylem
Open vascular Closed vascular Radial

bundle bundle arrangement
lem
Xy Phloem
Cambium Xylem
Phloem
Bicollateral Amphicribral Amphivasal
vascular bundle vascular bundle vascular bundle
Fig. 2.9. Various types of vascular bundles
79
If xylem and phloem in a vascular bundle are arranged along the
same radius with phloem towards the outside, such vascular bundle is
called collateral vascular bundle. If phloem occurs on both the outer and
inner sides of xylem, the bundle is called bicollateral. Bicollateral vascular
bundles are most typically seen in Cucurbitaceae.
The bundle in which either phloem surrounds the xylem or xylem
surrounds the phloem completely is known as concentric vascular bundle.
This is of two types amphicribral and amphivasal. In amphicribral
concentric vascular bundles, the phloem completely surrounds the xylem.
eg. Polypodium. In amphivasal concentric vascular bundles, the xylem
completely surrounds the phloem. eg. Acorus. In roots, protoxylem vessels
are present towards the periphery and the metaxylem vessels towards the
centre. This arrangement of xylem is called exarch. In stem, protoxylem
vessels are towards the centre, while metaxylem towards the periphery.
This condition is known as endarch.
Ground or fundamental tissue system
The ground or fundamental tissue system constitutes the main body of
the plants. It includes all the tissues except epidermis and vascular bundles.
In monocot stem, ground tissue system is a continuous mass of
parenchymatous tissue in which vascular bundles are found scattered.
Here ground tissue is not differentiated into cortex, endodermis, pericycle
and pith. Generally in dicot stem, ground tissue system is differentiated
into three main zones - cortex, pericycle and pith.
The cortex occurs between the epidermis and pericycle. Cortex may
be a few to many layers in thickness. In most cases, cortex is made up of
parenchyma tissues. Intercellular spaces may or may not be present..
Cortical cells may contain non-living
inclusions like starch grains, oils,
tannins and crystal.
In the leaves, the ground tissue
Casparian strip consists of chlorenchyma tissues. This
region is called mesophyll. The inner
Fig. 2.10. Endodermal cells
most layer of the cortex is called
with casparian strips
endodermis. Generally endodermis is
80
made up of barrel shaped parenchyma cells. These cells are arranged in
a single layer without intercellular spaces. Pericycle occurs between
the endodermis and the vascular bundles. It is generally made up of
parenchyma cells. Lateral roots originate from the pericycle. Thus their
origin is endogenous. The central part of the ground tissue is known as
pith or medulla. Generally this is made up of thin walled parenchyma
cells which may be with or without intercellular spaces. The cells in the
pith generally store starch, fatty substances, tannins, phenols, calcium
oxalate crystals, etc.
Self evaluation
1. The change from meristematic tissue to permanent tissue is called
a. differentiation. b. self perpetuating
c. photosynthesis. d. cell division.
2. The type of tissue presents in the petioles of banana and Canna,
is
a. stellate parenchyma b. prosenchyma
c. aerenchyma d. chlorenchyma.
3. The tissue generally present in all organs of plant is
a. parenchyma b. chlorenchyma
c. collenchyma d. sclerenchyma
4. The lamellar collenchyma is seen in the hypodermis of
a. Datura b. Helianthus
c. Ipomoea d. Nicotiana
5. The root hairs are produced from
a. rhizodermis b. trichomes
c. accessory cells d. trichoblasts
6. The osteosclereids are seen in
a. seed coat of Crotalaria b. see coat of Pisum
c. pulp of Pyrus d. petioles of banana
7. Bicollateral vascular bundles are seen in the members of
a. Malvaceae b. Musaceae
c. Solanaceae d. Cucurbitaceae
81
8. Define plant anatomy.
9. Define a tissue.
10. What is differentiation?
11. What is an aerenchyma? State its function.
12. What are called macrosclereids? Give an example.
13. What is called callose?
14. What are called trichoblasts?
15. What are called guard cells?
16. What is a meristematic tissue?
17. What are called lateral meristems?
18. Define a permanent tissue.
19. What are the types of simple tissues and complex tissues?
20. What is a stellate parenchyma?
21. What is a chlorenchyma?
22. Differentiate angular collenchyma from lacunate collenchyma.
23. Differentiate sclereids from fibres.
24. What are brachy sclereids?
25. What are surface fibres?
26. Bring out the characters of meristematic cells.
27. Explain different types of meristems based on their positions.
28. Write short notes on tracheids.
29. Write short notes on vessels.
30. Write an essay on the location, structure and functions of
parenchyma.
31. Describe the location, structure and functions of collenchyma.
32. Give an account on sclerenchyma.
33. Write an essay on xylem tissues.
34. Describe the four kinds of cells found in phloem tissues.
35. Write an essay on the epidermal tissue system.
36. Describe the vascular tissue system.
37. Describe ground tissue system.
82
2.2. Anatomy of monocot and dicot roots
The embryo develops into an adult plant with roots, stem and leaves
due to the activity of the apical meristem.. A mature plant has three kinds
of tissue systems - the dermal, the fundamental and the vascular system.
The dermal system includes the epidermis, which is the primary
outer protective covering of the plant body. The periderm is another
protective tissue that supplants the epidermis in the roots and stems that
undergo secondary growth. The fundamental tissue system includes
tissues that form the ground substance of the plant in which other permanent
tissues are found embedded. Parenchyma, collenchyma and sclerenchyma
are the main ground tissues. The vascular system contains the two
conducting tissues, the phloem and xylem. In different parts of the plants,
the various tissues are distributed in characteristic patterns. This is best
understood by studying their internal structure by cutting sections (transverse
or longitudinal or both) of the part to be studied.
Primary structure of monocotyledonous root - Maize root
The internal structure of the monocot roots shows the following tissue
systems from the periphery to the centre. They are epiblema or
rhizodermis, cortex and stele.
Rhizodermis or epiblema
It is the outermost layer of the root. It consists of a single row of
thin-walled parenchymatous cells without any intercellular space. Stomata
and cuticle are absent in the rhizodermis. Root hairs that are found in the
rhizodermis are always unicellular. They absorb water and mineral salts
from the soil. Root hairs are generally short lived. The main function of
rhizodermis is protection of the inner tissues.
Cortex
The cortex is homogenous. i.e. the cortex is made up of only one
type of tissue called parenchyma. It consists of many layers of thin-walled
parenchyma cells with lot of intercellular spaces. The function of cortical
cells is storage. Cortical cells are generally oval or rounded in shape.
Chloroplasts are absent in the cortical cells, but they store starch. The
cells are living and possess leucoplasts. The inner most layer of the cortex
is endodermis. It is composed of single layer of barrel shaped
83
Root hair
Rhizodermis
Cortex
Endodermis
Pith
Ground plan
Root hair
Rhizodermis
Cortex
Passage cell
Casparian strip
Endodermis
Pericycle
Passage cell
Phloem
Protoxylem
Metaxylem
Pith
A sector enlarged
Fig. 2.11. T.S. of Maize root
parenchymatous cells. This forms a complete ring around the stele. There
is a band like structure made of suberin present in the radial and transverse
walls of the endodermal cells. They are called Casparian strips named
after Casparay who first noted the strips.
84
The endodermal cells, which are opposite to the protoxylem elements,
are thin-walled without casparian strips. These cells are called passage
cells. Their function is to transport water and dissolved salts from the
cortex to the xylem. Water cannot pass through other endodermal cells
due to casparian strips. The main function of casparian strips in the
endodermal cells is to prevent the re-entry of water into the cortex once
water entered the xylem tissue.
Stele
All the tissues inside the endodermis comprise the stele. This includes
pericycle, vascular system and pith.
Pericycle
Pericycle is the outermost layer of the stele and lies inner to the
endodermis. It consists of a single layer of parenchymatous cells.
Vascular System
Vascular tissues are seen in radial arrangement. The number of
protoxylem groups is many. This arrangement of xylem is called polyarch.
Xylem is in exarch condition. The tissue, which is present between the
xylem and the phloem, is called conjunctive tissue. In maize, the
conjunctive tissue is made up of sclerenchymatous tissue.
Pith
The central portion is occupied by a large pith. It consists of thin-
walled parenchyma cells with intercellular spaces. These cells are filled
with abundant starch grains.
Primary structure of dicotyledonous root - Bean root
The transverse section of the dicot root (Bean) shows the following
plan of arrangement of tissues from the periphery to the centre.
Rhizodermis or epiblema
The outermost layer of the root is known as rhizodermis. It is made
up of a single layer of parenchyma cells which are arranged compactly
without intercellular spaces. It is devoid of stomata and cuticle. Root hair
is always single celled. It absorbs water and mineral salts from the soil.
The chief function of rhizodermis is protection.
85
Root hair
Rhizodermis
Cortex
Phloem
Metaxylem
Conjunctive tissue
Ground plan
Root hair
Rhizodermis
Cortex
.....
.....
Endodermis
Phloem
Pericycle
.....
.....
Protoxylem
.....
.....
Conjunctive tissue
Metaxylem
Casparian strip
.....
..... Passage cell
A sector enlarged
Fig. 2.12 T.S. of Bean root
86
Cortex
Cortex consists of only parenchyma cells. These cells are loosely
arranged with intercellular spaces to make gaseous exchange easier. These
cells may store food reserves. The cells are oval or rounded in shape.
Sometimes they are polygonal due to mutual pressure. Though chloroplasts
are absent in the cortical cells, starch grains are stored in them. The cells
also possess leucoplasts.
The inner most layer of the cortex is endodermis. Endodermis is
made up of single layer of barrel shaped parenchymatous cells. Stele is
completely surrounded by the endodermis. The radial and the inner
tangential walls of endodermal cells are thickened with suberin. This
thickening was first noted by Casparay. So these thickenings are called
Casparian strips. But these casparian strips are absent in the endodermal
cells which are located opposite to the protoxylem elements. These thin-
walled cells without casparian strips are called passage cells through which
water and mineral salts are conducted from the cortex to the xylem elements.
Water cannot pass through other endodermal cells due to the presence of
casparian thickenings.
Stele
All the tissues present inside endodermis comprise the stele. It includes
pericycle and vascular system.
Pericycle
Pericycle is generally a single layer of parenchymatous cells found
inner to the endodermis. It is the outermost `layer of the stele. Lateral
roots originate from the pericycle. Thus, the lateral roots are endogenous
in origin.
Vascular system
Vascular tissues are in radial arrangement. The tissue by which
xylem and phloem are separated is called conjunctive tissue. In bean, the
conjunctive tissue is composed of parenchymatous tissue. Xylem is in
exarch condition. The number of protoxylem points is four and so the
xylem is called tetrarch. Each phloem patch consists of sieve tubes,
companion cells and phloem parenchyma. Metaxylem vessels are generally
polygonal in shape. But in monocot roots they are circular.
87
Difference between monocot and dicot root
Monocot roots Dicot roots

1. Xylem is polyarch. 1. Xylem is usually tetrarch.
2. Pith is usually large at the centre. 2. Pith is usually absent.
3. Metaxylem vessels are generally 3. Metaxylem vessels are generally
circular in cross section. polygonal in cross section.
4. Conjunctive tissue is 4. Conjunctive tissue is usually
sclerenchymatous in Maize. parenchymatous.
5. There is no secondary growth. 5. Secondary growth is generally
present.
Self evaluation
1. The root hairs originate from
a. trichoblasts b. endodermis
c. hypodermis d. pericycle.
2. The Casparian strips are found in the endodermis of
a. dicot stem b. dicot root
c. monocot stem d. dicot leaf.
3. The passage cells are found in endodermis of
a. dicot stem b. monocot stem
c. dicot root d. dicot leaf.
4. The polyarch condition is found in
a. monocot leaf b. dicot leaf
c. dicot stem d. monocot root
5. The inner most layer of the cortex is
a. epidermis b. hypodermis
c. endodermis d. pericycle
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6. What are called casparian strips?
7. What are called passage cells?
8. What is a rhizodermis?
9. Draw and label the parts of transverse section of monocot root.
10. Draw the transverse section of dicot root and label the parts.
11. Distinguish the anatomy of dicot roots from monocot roots.
12. Describe the primary structure of a dicot root.
13. Describe the primary structure of a monocot root.
89
2.3. Anatomy of monocot and dicot stems
Primary structure of monocot stem - Maize stem
The outline of the maize stem in transverse section is more or less
circular. Internal structure of monocotyledonous stem reveals epidermis,
hypodermis, ground tissue and vascular bundles.
Epidermis
It is the outermost layer of the stem. It is made up of single layer of
tightly packed parenchymatous cells. Their outer walls are covered with
thick cuticle. The continuity of this layer may be broken here and there
by the presence of a few stomata. There are no epidermal outgrowths.
Hypodermis
A few layer of sclerenchymatous cells lying below the epidermis
constitute the hypodermis.. This layer gives mechanical strength to the
plant. It is interrupted here and there by chlorenchyma cells.
Ground tissue
There is no distinction into cortex, endodermis, pericycle and pith.
The entire mass of parenchymatous cells lying inner to the hypodermis
forms the ground tissue. The cell wall is made up of cellulose. The cells
contain reserve food material like starch. The cells of the ground tissue
next to the hypodermis are smaller in size, polygonal in shape and compactly
arranged. Towards the centre, the cells are loosely arranged, rounded in
shape and bigger in size. The vascular bundles lie embedded in this
tissue. The ground tissue stores food and performs gaseous exchange..
Vascular bundles
Vascular bundles are scattered in the parenchymatous ground tissue.
Each vascular bundle is surrounded by a sheath of sclerenchymatous fibres
called bundle sheath. The vascular bundles are conjoint, collateral,
endarch and closed. Vascular bundles are numerous, small and closely
arranged in the peripheral portion. Towards the centre, the bundles are
comparatively large in size and loosely arranged. Vascular bundles are
skull shaped.
90
Epidermis
Hypodermis
Ground tissue
Vascular bundles
Ground plan
Cuticle
Epidermis
Hypodermis
Chlorenchyma
Vascular bundle
Ground tissue
Crushed protophloem
Metaphloem
Metaxylem
Protoxylem
Protoxylem lacuna
Sclerenchymatous
bundle sheath
A sector enlarged
Fig. 2.13 T.S. of a Maize stem
91
Phloem
The phloem in the monocot stem consists of sieve tubes and companion
cells. Phloem parenchyma and phloem fibres are absent. It can be
distinguished into an outer crushed protophloem and an inner metaphloem.
Xylem
Xylem vessels are arranged in the form of the letter ‘Y’. The two
metaxylem vessels are located at the upper two arms and one or two
protoxylem vessels at the base. In a mature bundle, the lowest protoxylem
disintegrates and forms a cavity known as protoxylem lacuna.
Primary structure of dicotyledonous stem - Sunflower stem
Internal structure of dicotyledonous stem reveals epidermis, cortex
and stele.
Epidermis
It is protective in function and forms the outermost layer of the stem.
It is a single layer of parenchymatous rectangular cells. The cells are
compactly arranged without intercellular spaces. The outer walls of the
epidermal cells have a layer called cuticle. The cuticle checks the
transpiration. The cuticle is made up of a waxy substance known as cutin.
Stomata may be present here and there. Epidermal cells are living.
Chloroplasts are usually absent. A large number of multicellular hairs
occur on the epidermis.
Cortex
Cortex lies below the epidermis. The cortex is differentiated into
three zones. Below the epidermis, there are a few layers of collenchyma
cells. This zone is called hypodermis. It gives mechanical strength to the
stem. These cells are living and thickened at the corners. Inner to the
hypodermis, a few layers of chlorenchyma cells are present with conspicuous
intercellular spaces. This region performs photosynthesis. Some resin
ducts also occur here. The third zone is made up of parenchyma cells.
These cells store food materials.
The innermost layer of the cortex is called endodermis. The cells of
this layer are barrel shaped and arranged compactly without intercellular
92
Epidermal hair
Epidermis
Hypodermis
Cortex
Endodermis
Pericycle
Vascular bundle
Pith
Ground plan
Epidermal hair
Cuticle
Epidermis
Collenchyma
Chlorenchyma
Cortex
Resin duct
Parenchyma
Starch sheath
Bundle cap
Primary phloem
Cambium
Metaxylem
Protoxylem
Pith
Primary medullary ray

A sector enlarged
Fig. 2.14 T.S. of Sunflower stem
93
spaces. Since starch grains are abundant in these cells, this layer is also
known as starch sheath. This layer is morphologically homologous to
the endodermis found in the root. In most of the dicot stems, endodermis
with casparian strips is not developed.
Stele
The central part of the stem inner to the endodermis is known as
stele. It consists of pericycle, vascular bundles and pith. In dicot stem,
vascular bundles are arranged in a ring around the pith. This type of stele
is called eustele.
Pericycle
Pericycle is the layers of cells that occur between the endodermis and
vascular bundles. In the stem of sunflower (Helianthus), a few layers of
sclerenchyma cells occur in patches outside the phloem in each vascular
bundle. This patch of sclerenchyma cells is called bundle cap or hard
bast. The bundle caps and the parenchyma cells between them constitute
the pericycle in the stem of sunflower.
Vascular bundles
The vascular bundles consist of xylem, phloem and cambium. Xylem
and phloem in the stem occur together and form the vascular bundles.
These vascular bundles are wedge shaped. They are arranged in the
form of a ring. Each vascular bundle is conjoint, collateral, open and
endarch.
Phloem
Primary phloem lies towards the periphery. It consists of protophloem
and metaphloem. Phloem consists of sieve tubes, companion cells and
phloem parenchyma. Phloem fibres are absent in the primary phloem.
Phloem conducts organic food materials from the leaves to other parts of
the plant body.
Cambium
Cambium consists of brick shaped and thin walled meristematic cells.
It is two to three layers in thickness. These cells are capable of forming
new cells during secondary growth.
94
Xylem
Xylem consists of xylem fibres, xylem parenchyma, vessels and
tracheids. Vessels are thick walled and arranged in a few rows. Xylem
conducts water and minerals from the root to the other parts of the plant body.
Pith
The large central portion of the stem is called pith. It is composed of
parenchyma cells with intercellular spaces. The pith is also known as
medulla. The pith extends between the vascular bundles. These extensions
of the pith between the vascular bundles are called primary pith rays or
primary medullary rays. Function of the pith is storage of food.
Anatomical differences between dicot stem and monocot stem
Dicot stem Monocot stem
1. Hypodermis is made up of 1. Hypodermis is made up of
collenchymatous cells. sclerenchymatous cells.
2. Ground tissue is differentiated 2. Ground tissue is not differen-
into cortex, endodermis, tiated, but it is a continuous mass
pericycle and pith. of parenchyma.
3. Starch sheath is present. 3. Starch sheath is absent.
4. Pith is present. 4. Pith is absent.
5. Pericycle is present. 5. Pericycle is absent.
6. Medullary rays are present. 6. Medullary rays are absent.
7. Vascular bundles are open. 7. Vascular bundles are closed.
8. Vascular bundles are arranged 8. Vascular bundles are scattered.
in a ring. in the ground tissue.
9. Bundle cap is present. 9. Bundle sheath is present.
10. Protoxylem lacuna is absent. 10. Protoxylem lacuna is present.
11. Phloem parenchyma is present. 11. Phloem parenchyma is absent.
95
Self evaluation
1. The vascular bundle with protoxylem facing centre of the stem is
a. exarch b. endarch
c. tetrarch d. polyarch
2. When the xylem and the phloem lie in the same radius, the vascular
bundle is called
a. conjoint b. radial
c. open d. closed.
3. The vascular bundles are skull shaped in
a. dicot root b. monocot root
c. dicot stem d. monocot stem.
4 The protoxylem lacuna is present in the vascular bundles of
a. dicot root b. monocot root
c. dicot stem d. monocot stem
5. What is a hypodermis?
6. What is a protoxylem lacuna?
7. What is an eustele?
8. What is the nature of the vascular bundles in monocot stem?
9. Write short notes on the cortex in dicot stem.
10. Write short notes on the vascular bundles of the dicot stem.
11. Differentiate the vascular bundles of the dicot stem from that of
monocot stem.
12. Draw and label the parts of a T.S. of a dicot stem.
13. Write anatomical differences between dicot stem and monocot
stem.
14. Describe the primary structure of a monocot stem.
15. Describe the primary structure of a dicot stem.
96
2.4. Anatomy of a dicot and monocot leaves
Leaves are very important vegetative organs because they are mainly
concerned with photosynthesis and transpiration. Like stem and roots,
leaves also have the three tissue systems - dermal, ground and vascular.
The dermal tissue system consists of an upper epidermis and lower
epidermis. Stomata occur in both the epidermis but more frequently in the
lower epidermis. The ground tissue system that lies between the epidermal
layers of leaf is known as mesophyll tissue. Often it is differentiated into
palisade parenchyma on the adaxial (upper) side and spongy parenchyma
on the abaxial (lower) side.
A leaf showing this differentiation in mesophyll is designated as
dorsiventral. It is common in dicot leaves. If mesophyll is not differentiated
like this in a leaf (i.e., made of only spongy or palisade parenchyma) as in
monocots, it is called isobilateral. The mesophyll tissue, especially spongy
parenchyma cells enclose a lot of air spaces. The presence of air spaces is
a special feature of spongy cells. They facilitate the gaseous exchange
between the internal photosynthetic tissue (mesophyll) and the external
atmosphere through the stomata.
The vascular tissue system is composed of vascular bundles. They
are collateral and closed. The vascular tissue forms the skeleton of the
leaf and they are known as veins. The veins supply water and minerals to
the photosynthetic tissue. Thus the morphological and anatomical features
of the leaf help in its physiological functions.
Anatomy of a dicot leaf - Sunflower leaf
Internal structure of dicotyledonous leaves reveals epidermis, mesophyll
and vascular tissues.
Epidermis
A dicotyledonous leaf is generally dorsiventral. It has upper and
lower epidermis. The epidermis is usually made up of a single layer of
cells that are closely packed. The cuticle on the upper epidermis is thicker
than that of lower epidermis. The minute openings found on the epidermis
are called stomata. Stomata are more in number on the lower epidermis
than on the upper epidermis. A stoma is surrounded by a pair of bean
shaped cells called guard cells.
97
Cuticle
Upper epidermis
Palisade parenchyma
Protoxylem
Metaxylem
Spongy parenchyma
Phloem
Bundle sheath
Epidermal hair
Stoma
Lower epidermis
Respiratory cavity
Fig. 2.15 T.S. of sunflower leaf
Each stoma opens into an air chamber. These guard cells contain
chloroplasts, whereas other epidermal cells do not contain chloroplasts.
The main function of the epidermis is to give protection to the inner tissue
called mesophyll. The cuticle helps to check transpiration. Stomata are
used for transpiration and gas exchange.
Mesophyll
The entire tissue between the upper and lower epidermis is called the
mesophyll (Gk meso=in the middle; phyllome=leaf). There are two regions
in the mesophyll. They are palisade parenchyma and spongy parenchyma.
Palisade parenchyma cells are seen beneath the upper epidermis. It consists
of vertically elongated cylindrical cells in one or more layers. These cells
are compactly arranged without intercellular spaces. Palisade parenchyma
cells contain more chloroplasts than the spongy parenchyma cells. The
function of palisade parenchyma is photosynthesis. Spongy parenchyma
lies below the palisade parenchyma. Spongy cells are irregularly shaped.
These cells are very loosely arranged with numerous airspaces. As
compared to palisade cells, the spongy cells contain lesser number of
chloroplasts. Spongy cells facilitate the exchange of gases with the help of
air spaces. The air space that is found next to the stoma is called respiratory
cavity or sub-stomatal cavity.
98
Vascular tissues
Vascular tissues are present in the veins of leaf. Vascular bundles
are conjoint, collateral and closed. Xylem is present towards the upper
epidermis, while the phloem towards the lower epidermis. Vascular bundles
are surrounded by a compact layer of parenchymatous cells called bundle
sheath or border parenchyma. Xylem consists of metaxylem vessels
and protoxylem vessels. Protoxylem vessels are present towards the upper
epidermis. Phloem consists of sieve tubes, companion cells and phloem
parenchyma. Phloem fibres are absent. Xylem consists of vessels and
xylem parenchyma. Tracheids and xylem fibres are absent.
Anatomy of a monocot leaf - Grass leaf
A transverse section of a grass leaf reveals the following internal
structures.
Epidermis
The leaf has upper and lower epidermis.They are made up of a single
layer of thin walled cells. The outer walls are covered by thick cuticle. The
number of stomata is more or less equal on both the epidermis. The stomata
are surrounded by dumb-bell shaped guard cells. The guard cells contain
chloroplasts, whereas the other epidermal cells do not have them. Some
special cells bound the guard cells. They are distinct from other epidermal
cells. These cells are called subsidiary cells or accessory cells. Some
cells of upper epidermis are large and thin walled. They are called bulliform
Cuticle
Upper epidermis
Sub-stomatal chamber
Mesophyll
Bundle sheath
Xylem
Phloem
Lower epidermis
Stoma
Fig. 2.16 T.S. of grass leaf
99
cells or motor cells. These cells are helpful for the rolling and unrolling
of the leaf according to the weather change. Some of the epidermal cells
of the grass are filled with silica. They are called silica cells.
Mesophyll
The ground tissue that is present between the upper and lower
epidermis of the leaf is called mesophyll. Here, the mesophyll is not
differentiated into palisade and spongy parenchyma. All the mesophyll
cells are nearly isodiametric and thin walled. It is for this reason, the
grass leaf is described as isobilateral. These cells are compactly arranged
with limited intercellular spaces. They contain numerous chloroplasts.
Vascular bundles
Vascular bundles differ in size. Most of the vascular bundles are
smaller in size. Large bundles occur at regular intervals.
Two patches of sclerenchyma are present above and below the large
vascular bundles. These sclerenchyma patches give mechanical support
to the leaf. The small vascular bundles do not have such sclerenchymatous
patches.
Vascular bundles are conjoint, collateral and closed. Each vascular
bundle is surrounded by a parenchymatous bundle sheath. The cells of
the bundle sheath generally contain starch grains. The xylem of the vascular
bundle is located towards the upper epidermis and the phloem towards the
lower epidermis.
Self evaluation
1. Isobilateral leaf is present in
a. grass b. Cucurbita
c. sunflower d. bean
2. The vascular bundle in the leaf is
a. collateral and open b. collateral and closed.
c. bicollateral and open d. collateral and exarch
100
3. What is a dorsiventral leaf? Give an example.
4. What is an isobilateral leaf? Give an example.
5. What is a mesophyll?
6. What are stomata?
7. What are guard cells?
8. What are the functions of stomata?
9. Differentiate palisade parenchyma from spongy parenchyma.
10. What is a respiratory cavity or sub-stomatal cavity?
11. What is a bundle sheath or border parenchyma in a leaf?
12. What are the functions of veins in a leaf?
13. What are bulliform cells?
14. What are silica cells?
15. Write short notes on the epidermis of a dicot leaf.
16. Write short notes on the vascular tissues of a dicot leaf.
17. Write short notes on the mesophyll of a dicot leaf.
18. Draw and label the parts of a T.S. of a dicot leaf.
19. Draw and label the parts of a T.S. of a monocot leaf.
20. Describe the internal structure of a dicot leaf.
21. Describe the internal structure of a monocot leaf.
101
2.5. Secondary growth in dicot stem
The primary structure of the plant body is caused by the activity of
apical meristems. The primary permanent tissues produced by the apical
meristems cause the growth in length and to some extent in thickness.
This is called primary growth. Further thickness is observed mostly in
dicot plants. This thickness is caused by the addition of new tissues by the
activity of the lateral meristems like vascular cambium and cork cambium.
The new tissues, which are formed by the lateral meristems, are called
secondary tissues.
Thus the increase in thickness, due to the addition of secondary tissues
by the activity of vascular cambium and phellogen in the stelar and cortical
regions is called secondary growth. The process and the structures
associated with the secondary growth in dicot stems are given below:
Formation of vascular cambial ring
The cambium occurring between the xylem and the phloem in the
vascular bundle, is called fascicular cambium. In between the vascular
bundles, a few parenchymatous cells of the medullary rays that are in line
with the fascicular cambium become meristematic and form a strip of
cambium. It is called interfascicular cambium. This interfascicular cambium
joins up with the fascicular cambium on both sides and forms a continuous
ring. It is called a vascular cambial ring.
Formation of secondary tissues
The vascular cambial ring becomes active and begins to cut off new
cells both towards the inner and outer sides. The cells, which are cut off
towards the outerside, get differentiated into the secondary phloem, whereas
those cut off on the inner side are differentiated into secondary xylem.
Secondary phloem consists of sieve tubes, companion cells, phloem
parenchyma and phloem fibres. Secondary xylem occupies the major part
of the woody stem. It consists of vessels, tracheids, xylem fibres and
xylem parenchyma.
102
Vascular
bundle
Vascular
cambial ring
Interfascicular
cambial strip
Fascicular
cambium
1. Formation of interfascicular 2. Formation of vascular
cambial strip cambial ring
Lenticel
Cork
Cork cambium
Secondary cortex
Primary phloem
Secondary phloem
First annual ring
Second annual ring

Primary xylem
3. Ground plan
Fig 2.17 Secondary growth in dicot stem
103
Lenticel
Complementary cells
Epidermis
Cork (phellem)
Cork cambium (phellogen)
Secondary cortex (phelloderm)
Collenchyma
Parenchyma
Phloem fibres
Secondary phloem
Vascular cambium
Autumn wood
Spring wood
Primary xylem
Pith
Fig. 2.18 Secondary growth in a two-year old dicot stem

A sector enlarged
104
Formation of periderm
As secondary vascular tissues are continuously added in the stelar
region, pressure is exerted on the cortex and epidermis. So the epidermis
gets ruptured and the cortex stretched. Then the secondary protective
layer is developed. It is called periderm.
During the formation of this periderm, a few layers of meristematic
tissue are formed in the cortex. This is called cork cambium or phellogen.
The cells of the cork cambium cut off cells on both the sides. Those
formed on the outerside become suberised. This region is called cork or
phellem. The cork cells are uniform in size and arranged in radial rows
without intercellular spaces. These cells are dead at maturity. The cells
that are cut off on the inner side of the cork cambium are parenchymatous.
This region is called

Cork (phellem) phelloderm or secondary
cortex. The cells of the
Cork cambium phelloderm are living,
(phellogen) isodiametric and radially
arranged with intercellular
spaces. As these cells have
Secondary cortex
(phelloderm) chloroplasts, they carry out
photosynthesis. Their cell walls
Fig. 2.19 Structure of Periderm are made up of cellulose.
The cork (phellem), cork cambium (phellogen) and the secondary

cortex (phelloderm) are together called periderm. All the tissues outside
the vascular cambium i.e., secondary phloem, cortex and the periderm
are together called bark.
Lenticels
Lenticels are the lense shaped openings or breaks in the cork tissue.
They are formed due to the rupture in the epidermal layers during the
secondary growth in stems. They appear as small protrusions on the stem.
Lenticels are usually formed below the stomata or sometimes at any region
under the epidermis. Phellogen is more active in the region of lenticels
than elsewhere and thus forms a mass of loosely arranged thin walled
105
Lenticel
Broken epidermis
Complementary cells
Cork (phellem)
Cork cambium
(phellogen)
Secondary cortex
(phelloderm)
Fig. 2.20 Structure of a lenticel
parenchymatous cells called complementary cells. Lenticels are useful in

exchange of gases. Lenticels remain scattered or arranged in the
longitudinal or vertical rows.
Annual rings
During the spring and the summer seasons vegetative growth of a tree
is induced and more leaves are produced. So there is a dire need of efficient
transport of water and mineral salts. So the vessels produced during these
seasons are larger and wider than those produced in the winter and the
autumn seasons. Xylem elements of spring wood are larger, thin-walled
and lighter in colour. On the otherhand, during the winter and the autumn
seasons less amount of xylem elements is produced. These xylem elements
are smaller, thick-walled and
Annual darker in colour. The xylem
rings
(wood) formed during the spring
Sapwood and the summer is called early
wood or spring wood and that
Heart produced during the winter and
wood
the autumn is called late wood or
autumn wood. These two kinds
of wood appear together as a
concentric ring called annual ring
Fig. 2.21 Annual rings or growth ring.
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Each annual ring refers to one year’s growth. By counting the total
number of annual rings, the age of the plant can approximately be calculated.
The determination of the age of a tree by counting the annual rings is called
Dendrocronology. The section taken at the base of the trunk of American
Sequoia dendron has revealed that the tree is about 3500 years old.
Tyloses
In many dicot plants, the lumens of the xylem vessels are blocked by
many balloon like in-growths from the neighbouring parenchymatous cells.
These balloon like structures are called tyloses.
Bands of Usually these structures are

annular formed in secondary xylem vessels.
thickenings
In fully developed tyloses starch,
crystals, resins, gums, oils, tannins
Tyloses
and coloured substances are found.
Sap wood and heart wood
Xylem is also known as wood.
Xylem When the secondary growth occurs
parenchyma
for several years, sapwood and
Xylem heartwood can be distinguished in
vessel the secondary xylem. The outer
part of the wood, which is paler in
Fig. 2.22 Tyloses
colour, is called sapwood or
alburnum. The centre part of the wood, which is darker in colour, is
called heartwood or duramen.
The sapwood is useful in the conduction of water. As vessels of the
heartwood is blocked by tyloses, water is not conducted through them.
The tyloses contain oils, gums, tannins, resins and other coloured substances.
Due to the presence of these substances, the heartwood becomes the hardest
part of the wood. From economic point of view the heartwood is more
useful than sapwood. The timbers from the heartwood are more durable
and more resistant to the attack of microorganisms and insects than
those from sapwood.
107
Self evaluation
1. Vascular cambium is a
a. apical meristem
b. intercalary meristem
c. lateral meristem
d. promeristem
2. The cambium which remains between the xylem and the phloem in the
vascular bundles is called
a. fascicular cambium
b. interfascicular cambium
c. cork cambium
d. phellem
3. The cells of the vascular cambial ring which are cut off towards the
outer side get differentiated into
a. primary xylem
b. primary phloem
c. secondary xylem
d. secondary phloem
4. The protective layer developed during the secondary growth of the
stem is called
a. epidermis
b. periderm
c. rhizodermis
d. phellogen
5. What is called a secondary growth?
6. What is an interfascicular cambium?
7. What tissues are together called a periderm?
108
8. What are complementary cells?
9. What are tyloses?
10. Write short notes on lenticels.
11. Write short notes on annual rings.
12. Write short notes on tyloses.
13. Write short notes on sap wood and heart wood.
14. Describe the secondary growth in dicot stem. Ground plan or a sector
enlarged is to be drawn, no need to draw both the diagrams.
Reference books
1. Plant anatomy by P.C. Vasishta
2. An introduction to plant anatomy by Arthur J. Eames, Laurence
H. MacDaniels.
3. Plant anatomy by S. Palaniappan.
4. Plant anatomy by Katherine Esau.
5. Plant anatomy by B.P. Pandey, 2003.
109
3. CELL BIOLOGY AND GENETICS
In the previous unit, you have studied several types of cells and their
organization to form tissue and tissue systems. Now, we shall study how
characters and traits are inherited from one generation to another. Sexual
reproduction, besides producing individuals, introduces variability in the
offspring by combining traits of parents. How are these traits inherited?
Now, we know that the units of heredity are genes that are transmitted from
one generation to another. The genes are arranged in a linear manner at
specific positions on specific chromosomes. Differences in gene expression
are the basis for differentiation of the organisms. This unit will acquaint
you with various aspects of genetics.
3.1. Chromosomes
Chromosomes are the physical carriers of genes, which are made up
of DNA and associated proteins. The term chromosome was introduced
by Waldeyer in 1888. Chromosomes occur in all the living organisms.
The bacterial chromosomes are circular. It has closed circular DNA. Linear
chromosomes are found in eukaryotes. Bridges in 1916 was the first to
prove that the genes are carried on the chromosome.
Structure of chromosome
Each chromosome consists of similar structures called
chromatids. They are identical and are called sister chromatids. A
typical chromosome has narrow
Telomere
zones called constrictions. There
are two types of constrictions
Secondary
constriction namely primary constriction and
Kinetochore
secondary constriction.
Satellite
The primary constriction is
Secondary
constriction made up of centromere and
kinetochore. Both the chromatids
Primary
constriction are joined at centromere, which is
Fig. 3.1 Structure of chromosome essential for the movement of
chromosomes at anaphase. If the centromere of the chromosomes is
damaged, such chromosome fails to move at anaphase. The number of
centromeres varies from chromosome to chromosome. The monocentric
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chromosome has one centromere and the polycentric chromosome has
many centromeres.
The centromere contains a complex system of fibres called
kinetochore. Each centromere has two kinetochores lined with
chromosomal arms. The kinetochore is made up of protein fibres and
microtubules which assist in the formation of spindles during mitosis
and meiosis.
All constrictions other than primary are called secondary
constrictions. In a given set of chromosomes only one or two
chromosomes have secondary constrictions. The nucleoli develop from
secondary constrictions and such secondary constrictions are called
nucleolar organisers.
A satellite is a short chromosomal segment and separated from
the main chromosome by a relatively elongated secondary constriction.
A chromosome with a satellite is called SAT-chromosome.
Chromatin is a viscous gelatinous substance that contains DNA,
RNA, histone and non–histone proteins. H1, H2A, H2B, H3 and H4
are the five types of histones found in the chromatin. The chromatin is
formed by a series of repeated units called nucleosomes. Each
nucleosome has a core of eight histone subunits.
Telomere is the terminal part of chromosome. It offers stability
to the chromosome. DNA of the telomere has specific sequence of
nucleotides. Eukaryotic chromosome has DNA, RNA, histones, non–
histone proteins and metallic ions like Ca+2, Mg+2, etc.,
Types of chromosomes
The chromosomes are classified into different types based on shape
and position of the centromere. According to the position of centromere,
Centromere
Arm
Telocentric Acrocentric Sub-metacentric Metacentric

Fig. 3.2 Four morphogenic types of chromosomes
111
the eukaryotic chromosomes may be rod shaped (telocentric and
acrocentric), L-shaped (sub-metacentric) and V-shaped (metacentric). There
are two types of chromosomes based on their function. They are autosomes
and sex chromosomes.
Autosomes
They are present in all the cells of the organisms. They control the
somatic characteristics of an organism. In the human diploid cell, 44
chromosomes are autosomes whereas the rest two are sex chromosomes.
Sex chromosomes
In the diploid cells of animals and certain plants, one or more special
chromosomes are different from the autosomes in their morphological
structures and behaviour. These chromosomes are involved in the
determination of sex. They are called sex chromosomes. In human being,
male has XY and female XX chromosomes.
Unusual chromosomes
These chromosomes are abnormal chromosomes. They differ from
the basic structure of normal chromosomes. Eg. B–chromosomes and
Double minutes. B–chromosomes are also called supernumerary and
accessory chromosomes. They are additional chromosomes found in some
individuals in a population. eg. maize. They are common in plants and
they reduce viability.
Double minutes are unstable chromosome like structures. They have
no centromere and formal telomeres. They occur in cancer cells which
show resistance against drugs.
Special types of chromosomes
In Eukaryotic organisms certain chromosomes are found only in certain
special tissues and are not seen in other tissues. These chromosomes are
larger in size and are called giant chromosomes. In certain plants, they
are found in the suspensors of the embryo. There are two types of giant
chromosomes – polytene chromosome and lamp brush chromosome.
Polytene chromosomes were observed by C.G. Balbiani in 1881 in
the salivary glands of Drosophila. The characteristic feature of polytene
112
chromosome is that along the
Chromosomal puff
length of the chromosome there
is a series of dark bands
alternate with clear zones called
Dark band inter bands. The polytene
inter band
Polytene chromosome chromosome has extremely
Chromosome large puff called Balbiani ring.
axis It is also known as
chromosomal puff. As this
chromosome occurs in the
Lateral
Loop salivary gland it is known as
salivary gland chromosomes.
Lamp brush chromosome
Lamp brush chromosomes
Fig. 3.3. Special types of chromosomes were first observed by
Flemming in 1882. It looked like brushes. They occur at the diplotene
stage of meiotic prophase in oocytes of an animal Salamandor and in
giant nucleus of the unicellular alga Acetabularia. The highly condensed
chromosome forms the chromosomal axis, from which lateral loops of
DNA extend as a result of intense RNA synthesis.
Self evaluation
1. The term chromosome was introduced by
a. Bridges b.Waldeyer c. Balbiani d. Flemming
2. Who had first proved that the genes are carried by the
chromosome?
a. Bridges b.Waldeyer c. Balbiani d. Flemming
3. What are autosomes?
4. What are sex chromosomes?
5. What are B–chromosomes?
6. What is a polytene chromosome?
7. Write short notes on the structure of chromosomes.
8. Write short notes on the types of chromosomes.
9. Describe special types of chromosomes.
113
3.2. Gene and genome
The word gene was coined by W. Johannsen in 1909. A gene is a
physical and functional unit of heredity. It carries information from one
generation to the next. Gene is also defined as a nucleotide sequence that
is responsible for the production of a specific protein. When a gene
undergoes changes due to mutation, it results in biological variations.
These variations are important for evolution. Such variations also arise
due to recombination of genes on chromosomes.
The relationship between genes and enzymes was discovered by Beadle
and Tatum. They conducted bio-chemical research on the fungus
Neurospora and concluded that the major role of genes was to carry
information for the production of enzymes. For their work they were
awarded Nobel prize in 1958. Their findings are referred to as ‘one gene
one enzyme hypothesis’. Now, the hypothesis has been modified to ‘one
gene one polypeptide hypothesis’ because the product of gene action is
always a polypeptide.
Genome
Genome may be defined as the totality of the DNA sequences of an
organism including DNAs present in mitochondria and chloroplasts. Each
species has a characteristic number of chromosomes in the nuclei of its
gametes and somatic cells. The gametic chromosome number constitutes
a basic set of chromosomes of the organism. In all organisms it is made
up of DNA but in viruses, it is made up of either DNA or RNA.
Table showing the organisms and their haploid set of chromosome
Sl.No. Name of organism Haploid set of
chromosome
1. Arabidopsis thaliana 5
2. Garden pea 7
3. Paddy 12
4. Triticum aestivum 21
5. Homo sapiens 23
6. Chimpanzee 24
7. Sugarcane 40
8. Ophioglossum 631
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The genome size of an individual is expressed in terms of number of base
pairs either in kilobases (1000 bp) or in megabases (one million bp).
Arabidopsis thaliana is an annual crucifer weed called ‘thale cress’. It has
the smallest nuclear genome of 130 mb with five chromosomes (2n = 10).
The human genome comprises approximately 3.2 x 109 nucleotides. The
human mitochondrial genome contains 37 genes and has 16,569 basepairs.
Table showing the genome and approximate number of genes
S. No Name of the organism Size of the genome Approximate

in megabase pairs number of genes
1. Escherichia coli 4.64 4,400
2. Yeast 12.10 5,800
3. Arabidopsis thaliana 130.00 26,000
4. Drosophila 180.00 13,600
5. Homo sapiens 3,300.00 30,000 - 40,000
In human genome, 38.2% of genome is involved in biochemical

activities like synthesis of immunological and structural proteins, 23.2%
in the maintenance of genome, 21.1% in receiving and giving signals
related to cellular activities and remaining 17.5% in the general functions
of the cell. The functions of 30,000 to 40,000 human genes are known.
Self evaluation
I. Answer the following questions in two or three sentences.
1. Define a gene.
2. Why has ‘one gene one enzyme hypothesis’ been modified into
‘one gene one polypeptide hypothesis’?
3. Define genome.
4. State the percentage of human genome performing various
activities.
II. Answer the following questions in about 100 words.
5. Write short notes on genome.
115
3.3. Linkage and crossing over
The tendency of genes or characters to be inherited together because
of their location on the same chromosome is called linkage. Many
hybridization experiments were conducted both on plants and animals
based on Mendel’s work. The results of certain dihybrid crosses did not
confirm the law of independent assortment. It states that the inheritance of
genes of each pair in a dihybrid during gamete formation is independent
of the other.
Blue flower Red flower
Parent long pollen round pollen
BBLL bbll
Gametes BL bl
F1 generation BbLl (Blue long)
Dihybrid test cross BbLl bbll
Gametes BL B1 bL bl
BbLl Bbll bbLl bbll bl
Phenotype Blue Blue Red Red
long round long round
Observed percentage
frequency 44 6 6 44
Observed ratio 7 : 1 : 1 : 7
Expected ratio 1 : 1 : 1 : 1
Mechanism of linkage - coupling in Lathyrus odoratus

In 1906, William Bateson and Reginald Punnett conducted experiments
in sweet pea, Lathyrus odoratus to confirm Mendel’s dihybrid testcross.
They observed an exception to the independent assortment of two genes
in this plant. Here, blue flower (B) is dominant over the red flower (b)
and long pollen (L) dominant over round pollen (l). They crossed true
breeding plants having blue flower with long pollen (BBLL) and red flower with
116
round pollen (bbll). All the F1 hybrids have blue flowers with long pollen
(BbLl). A testcross between heterozygous blue long (BbLl) of F1 hybrid
and double recessive parental stock red round (bbll) did not result in ratio
1:1:1:1 but gave unexpected phenotype frequency as shown below.
Here, blue long and red round are parental forms and show greater
frequency 88 per cent. Blue round and red long are recombinant forms
and show lesser frequency 12 per cent. The dihybrid test cross ratio obtained
is 7:1:1:7 and not 1:1:1:1. This indicates that the genes do not independently
assort. From the above test cross, it is clear that if dominant alleles or
recessive alleles are present in the same plant, they tend to remain together
resulting in increased parental forms. Thus, the two genes which inherit
together are called linked genes. This aspect is called coupling.
They made another cross between plants having blue flower with round
pollen (BBll) and red flower with long pollen (bbLL). A testcross between
Blue flower Red flower
Parent round pollen long pollen
BBll bbLL
Gametes Bl bL
F1 generation BbLl (Blue long)
Dihybrid test cross BbLl bbll
Gametes BL B1 bL bl
BbLl Bbll bbLl bbll bl
Phenotype Blue Blue Red Red
long round long round
Observed percentage
frequency 6 44 44 6
Observed ratio 1 : 7 : 7 : 1
Expected ratio 1 : 1 : 1 : 1
Mechanism of linkage - repulsion in Lathyrus odoratus
117
heterozygous blue long (BbLl) of F1 hybrid and
BB bb double recessive red round (bbll) did not result
in ratio 1:1:1:1 but gave unexpected phenotype
frequency as shown below.
Here, blue round and red long are parental
forms and show greater frequency 88 per cent.
L L l l Blue long and red round are recombinant forms
and show lesser frequency 12 per cent. The
dihybrid test cross ratio obtained is 1:7:7:1 and
BB b b not 1:1:1:1. This indicates that the genes do
not independently assort. From the above
testcross, it is clear that if dominant alleles or
recessive alleles are present in the different
plants, they tend to remain separate resulting
in increased parental forms. This aspect is called
L l L l repulsion.
Coupling and repulsion offered explanation
for higher frequency of parental forms. They
are two aspects of a single phenomenon called
B B b b
linkage. The genes that are carried on the same
chromosome will not assort independently
because of their tendency to remain linked
together. This is called linkage. The genes
located on the same chromosomes that are
L l L l
inherited together are known as linked genes.
They tried to reconfirm the law of independent
Fig. 3.4 Crossing over assortment. But they could not get expected
Crossing over result because the genes are linked.
The process, which produces recombination of genes by interchanging
the corresponding segments between nonsister chromatids of homologous
chromosomes, is called crossing over. A crossing over between linked
genes allows their recombination during meiosis.
Crossing over takes place in pachytene stage of prophase I of meiosis.
In pachytene stage, the bivalent chromosome becomes tetrad i.e. with
four chromatids. The adjacent nonsister chromatids are joined together at certain
118
points called chiasmata. Crossing over occurs between the nonsister
chromatids of paired chromosomes in the region of chiasma. At each
chiasma, the two nonsister chromatids break, exchange their segments
and rejoin resulting the crossing over.
5M
A ← 50 M → B← 25 M → C←→D← 20 M →E
Fig. 3.5 Illustration to explain the probability of crossing over
Hence, out of four chromatids the two adjacent chromatids are

recombinants and other two are original chromatids. Thus four types of
gametes are obtained.
Significance of crossing over
Crossing over leads to the production of new combination of genes
and provides basis for obtaining new varieties of plants.
It plays an important role in the process of evolution.
The crossing over frequency helps in the construction of genetic maps
of the chromosomes.
It gives us the evidence for linear arrangement of linked genes in a
chromosome.
Gene mapping
Genes are arranged linearly in a chromosome. The point in a
chromosome where the gene is located is called locus. The diagrammatic
representation of location and arrangement of genes and relative distance
between linked genes of a chromosome is called linkage or genetic map.
The unit of genetic map is Morgan or centimorgan. When the
percentage of crossing over between two linked genes is 1 per cent, then
the map distance between the linked genes is one morgan.
There is a greater probability of occurrence of crossing over, when the
two genes are farther apart in a chromatid. The probability of crossing over
between two genes is directly proportional to the distance between them.
119
When two genes are nearer, the probability of occurrence of crossing
over between them is limited.
Let A, B, C, D and E be five knots on a string separated by the distances
as shown. The probability of making a random cut between two knots is
directly proportional to the distance between them. Every cut separates A
from E, whereas 5/100th cut only separates C from D.If the knots or genes
linearly arranged on a chromosome in randoms are the cross overs, then C
and D remain linked, whereas A and E will not show linkage in this situation.
Uses of gene mapping
It is useful to determine the location, arrangement and linkage of
genes in a chromosome.
It is useful to predict the results of dihybrid and trihybrid crosses.
Self evaluation
1. The coupling test cross ratio is
a. 1:7:7:1 b. 7:1:1:7
c. 1:1:1:1 d. 9:3:3:1
2. What is linkage?
3. What is coupling?
4. What is repulsion?
5. What is crossing over?
6. What is a genetic map?
7. What are the uses of gene mapping?
8. Write short notes on crossing over.
9. What is crossing over? Write the significance of crossing over.
10. Write short notes on gene mapping.
11. Explain the coupling aspect in Lathyrus odoratus.
12. Explain the replusive aspect in Lathyrus odoratus.
120
3.4. Recombination of chromosome
The process, which produces recombinations of gene by interchanging
of corresponding segments between nonsister chromatids of homologous
chromosomes, is called recombination of chromosomes. It takes place in
pachytene stage of prophase I of meiosis. Crossing between the linked
genes results in genetic recombination.
According to Bateson and Punnet, in Lathyrus odoratus 12 per cent
of the test cross progeny were recombinants. Recombination between two
genes is expressed in percentage. It is called recombination frequency.
Gene pairs that had very low percentage of recombination are known as
tightly linked genes. The gene pairs with higher percentage are termed as
loosely linked genes. For example, 12 per cent of the test cross progeny
were recombinants. They showed a different linkage of alleles than their
parents. The percentage recombination is determined by dividing the
number of recombinant offspring by the total number of offspring. In the
figure 3.4, the linkages of the parents were B with L and b with l. The
recombinant offspring are B with l or b with L.
Self evaluation
1. Recombination of chromosome takes place in _____ stage of
prophase I of meiosis.
a. leptotene b. zygotene
c. pachytene d. diplotene
2. What are tightly linked genes?
3. What are loosely linked genes?
4. Write short notes on Recombination of chromosomes.
121
3.5. Mutation
In a species, variations are caused by changes in the environment or
any changes in the innate genetic setup of an organism or by the combination
of both. Sudden change in the genetical set up of an organism is defined as
mutation. In 1901, Hugo de Vries first used the term mutation based on
his observation on Oenothera lamarckiana. Charles Darwin termed these
sudden change as ‘sports’. According to Bateson, mutation is a
discontinuous change. Based on molecular basis of heredity, mutation is
defined as sudden change in the sequence of nucleotides of gene. The
mutation brings about a change in the organism. The organism which
undergoes mutation, is called a mutant. eg. Oenothera lamarckiana.
Mutations that affect the biochemical reactions are called biochemical
mutations. For example, biochemical mutants of Neurospora failed to
synthesize certain amino acids. Some mutations drastically influence the
genes and cause death to the individual. Such mutation is described as
lethal mutation. For example, in the plant Sorghum, recessive mutant
fails to produce chlorophyll and therefore they die in the seedling stage.
Thus, most of the mutations are harmful, because they disturb the genic
balance of the organism. Although most of the mutations are useless and
even harmful, and some of the mutations play a significant role in the
evolution of new species. Many new strains of cultivated crops and new
breeds of domesticated animals are the products of gene mutations. Small
seeded Cicer arietinum (bengal gram) suddenly get mutated to large seeded
Cicer gigas is the case of gene mutation.
Classification of mutation
Mutations have been classified in various ways based on different
criteria. Depending on the kind of cell in which mutations occur, they are
classified into somatic and germinal mutation. They may be autosomal or
sex chromosomal according to their type of chromosome in which they
occur. They may be spontaneous or induced according to their mode of
origin. They may be forward or backward according to their direction.
They may be dominant or recessive according to their phenotypic
expression of mutated genes.
122
Point or gene mutation
Point mutation is sudden change in small segment of DNA either a
single nucleotide or a nucleotide pair. Gross mutation is a change involving
more than one or a few nucleotides of a DNA.
The gene mutation may be caused by loss or deletion of a nucleotide
pair. This is called deletion mutation and reported in some bacteriophages.
Addition of one or more nucleotides into a gene results in addition
mutation. Replacement of certain nitrogen bases by another base in the
structure of DNA results in substitution mutation. The deletion and addition
mutation alter the nucleotide sequence of genes and ultimately result in
the production of defective protein and this leads to the death of the
organism. The substitution mutations can alter the phenotype of the
organism and have great genetic significance.
There are two types of substitution mutations – transition and
transversion. When a purine or a pyrimidine is replaced by another purine
or pyrimidine respectively this kind of substitution is called transition.
When a mutation involves the replacement of a purine for pyrimidine or
viceversa this is called transversion.
Mutagenic agents
The chemical substances and environmental conditions which cause
mutations in the organisms are called mutagens or mutagenic agents.
There are two kinds of mutagenic agents – physical and chemical mutagenic
agents.
Physical mutagenic agents
Electromagnetic radiation, radiations like α, β and γ, ultraviolet rays,
temperature, etc. are some of the examples for physical mutagens. X-rays
and gamma rays are ionizing radiations which induce mutation in seeds.
UV rays are nonionizing radiations. Pollen can be treated with UV since
pollen has germinal nucleus in which mutation can be caused.
Chemical mutagenic agents
Chemicals can also be used for inducing mutations in the organisms.
Such chemicals are called chemical mutagenic agents.
eg. Nitrous acid, Methyl methane sulphonate (MMS) and
ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS). Ethyl methane sulphonate
123
has been extensively used for inducing mutations in microorganisms, higher
plants and animals.
Significance of mutation
Mutations play an important role in the origin of new species and
serves as a tool for evolution.
Induced mutations are useful in agriculture, animal husbandry and
biotechnology to produce new strains. For example, mutant strains
of Penicillium produces more penicillin.
It is one of the best approaches for improvement of crops.
Induced mutants are reported in paddy, wheat, soyabeans, tomatoes,
oats, and barley. Mutant varieties of wheat are early maturing, disease
resistance and they are enriched with protein. Mutant varieties of
paddy produce many tillers with long grains.
The study of mutant strains of viruses helps us to know the fine
structure of gene. The genes are made up of small functional units
such as cistron, recon and muton. Cistron is an unit of function,
recon is the unit of recombination and muton is the unit of mutation.
Many types of mutations cause heritable diseases and cancer in human
beings.
Self evaluation
1. Hugo de Vries first used the term mutation based on his
observation on
a. Sorghum b. Neurospora
c. Oenothera lamarckiana d. Cicer gigas
2. Biochemical mutants of _____ failed to synthesize certain amino
acids.
a. Sorghum b. Neurospora
c. Cicer arietinum d. Cicer gigas
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3. What is mutation?
4. What is a biochemical mutation? Give an example.
5. What is a lethal mutation? Give an example.
6. Define a gene mutation
7. What is a transition?
8. Write short notes on gene mutation.
9. Write short notes on mutagenic agents.
10. What is the significance of mutation?
125
3.6. Chromosomal aberrations
In an organism, any visible abnormality in chromosome number or
structure from the diploid set is known as chromosomal aberration. The
chromosomal aberrations based on the structure of the chromosome are
of four types – deletion, duplication, inversion and transversion.
Structural chromosomal aberrations
Deletion
The loss of a segment of the genetic material in a chromosome is
called deletion. It may be terminal or intercalary. When the deletion
occurs near the end of the chromosome, then it is called terminal deletion.
Eg. Drosophila and Maize. When the deletion occurs in the middle of the
chromosome then, it is called intercalary deletion. Most of the deletions
lead to death of an organism.
Duplication
When a segment of a chromosome is present more than once in a
chromosome then, it is called duplication. For example, the order of
genes in a chromosome is a, b, c, d, e, f, g and h. Due to aberration, the
genes ‘g’ and ‘h’ are duplicated and the sequence of genes becomes a, b,
c, d, e, f, g, h, g and h. In Drosophila, corn and peas a number of
duplications are reported. Some duplications are useful in the evolution
of the organism.
Inversion
It is another chromosomal abnormality in which, the order of genes
in a chromosomal segment is reversed by an angle of 180°. For example,
the order of genes in a chromosome is a, b, c, d, e, f, g and h. Due to
aberration, the sequence of genes becomes, a, b, c, d, g, f, e and h.
There are two types of inversion – pericentric and paracentric inversion.
In pericentric inversion, the inverted segment of the chromosome
contains centromere. Sometimes, it is responsible for evolution of the
organism. For example the 17th human chromosome is acrocentric, while
in Chimpanzee the corresponding chromosome is metacentric. In
paracentric inversion, the inverted segment of the chromosome has no
centromere. 126
a a a a
a
b b b b
c b e c c
c
d d c f d d
e e e e
d
f f f f
g g g g g
h h h h h
g
Terminal deletion Intercalary deletion h
Duplication
a a a a l l
b b b b m m
c c c c n n
d d d d o o
e e p p
e g
f f q q
f f
g g r r
g e h h s s
h h
Inversion
a a l l a a l l
b b m m b b m m
c c n n c c n n
d d o o d d o o
e e p p e e p p
f q f q q q f f
g r g r r r g g
h s h s s s h h
Heterozygous translocation Homozygous translocation
Fig. 3.6 Chromosomal aberrations
127
Translocation
It is a kind of a chromosomal abnormality in which the interchange
of the chromosomal segments occurs. When translocation occurs between
two non-homologous chromosomes, then it is called reciprocal
translocation or illegitimate crossingover. It is of two kinds -
heterozygous translocation and homozygous translocation.
In heterozygous translocation, one member of each pair of chromosomes
is normal and the other member is with interchanged segment. But in
homozygous translocation, both the members of paired chromosomes have
translocated segments.
They play an important role in species differentiation. Translocations
causes hereditary disorders.
Numerical chromosomal aberrations
Each species of an organism has a specific number of chromosomes
in its somatic cells. These chromosomes are found in pairs. At the time of
formation of gametes the chromosome number is reduced. Hence, the
gemetes carry haploid set of chromosomes. Alterations in the number of
chromosomes from the diploid set is called numerical chromosomal
aberration. It is also known as ploidy. There are two types of ploidy –
euploidy and aneuploidy.
Euploidy
Euploidy is the variation in the chromosome number that occurs due
to increase or decrease of full set of chromosomes. Monoploidy, diploidy
and polyploidy are the types in euploidy.
Diploidy
In most of the plants and animals, the somatic cells contain two sets
of chromosome. Diploidy is formed by the union of two gametes during
fertilization.
Polyploidy
Addition of one or more sets of chromosomes to the diploid set results
in polyploidy. It is commonly noticed in plants and rare in animals. They
are of two kinds – autopolyploidy and allopolyploidy.
128
Ploidy - flow chart
Autopolyploidy
Addition of one or more haploid set of its own genome in an organism
results in autopolyploidy. Watermelon, grapes and banana are autotriploids,
whereas apple is an autotetraploid.
Allopolyploidy
Increase in one or more haploid set of chromosomes from two different
species result in allopolyploidy. Triticale is the first man made cereal. It
is obtained by crossing a wheat Triticum durum (2n = 4x = 28) and a rye
Secale cereale (2n = 2x = 14). The F1 hybrid (2n = 3x = 21) is sterile.
Then the chromosome number is doubled using colchicine and it becomes
an hexaploid.
Parent Triticum durum x Secale cereale
2n = 28 2n = 14
(2n = 4x = 28) (2n = 2x = 14)
F1 hybrid (sterile)
2n = 21
(2n = 3x = 21)
Chromosome doubled
(Colchicine treatment)
2n = 42
(2n = 6x = 42)
Hexaploid Triticale
129
Aneuploidy
Variation that involves one or two chromosomes within the diploid
set of an organism results in aneuploidy. It is of two types – hypoploidy
and hyperploidy.
Hypoploidy
Decrease in one or two chromosomes from the diploid set is described
as hypoploidy. There are two types of hypoploidy – monosomy and
nullisomy. Monosomy is due to loss of a chromosome from the diploid
set i.e. 2n – 1. Nullisomy is the condition in which a pair of homologous
chromosomes is lost from the diploid set i.e. 2n – 2.
Hyperploidy
Addition of one or two chromosomes to the diploid set of chromosome
results in hyperploidy. There are two types of hyperploidy – trisomy and
tetrasomy. Trisomy results due to the addition of one chromosome to diploid
set of chromosomes. It is represented by 2n + 1. Trisomics are observed
in Datura stramonium. Tetrasomy results due to the addition of two
chromosomes to diploid set of chromosome. It is represented by 2n+2.
Significance of ploidy
Polyploidy plays an important role in plant breeding and horticulture.
Polyploidy has more vigorous effect than the diploids and results in
the production of large sized flowers and fruits. Hence, it has
economical significance.
It plays significant role in the evolution of new species.
Polyploidy results in the changes in the season of flowering and
fruiting.
Polyploids are vigorous invaders of new habitats.
It leads to the formation of new varieties which show high resistance
to disease and increase in yield.
Tetraploid cabbages and tomatoes contain more ascorbic acid whereas
tetraploid corn contains more vitamin A.
Both euploidy and aneuploidy in man cause congenital diseases.
Polyploidy varieties like apple, pear, grape and watermelons are
cultivated because of their large size.
130
Self evaluation
1. The gametes of Drosophila melanogaster carry
a. three chromosomes b. four chromosomes
c. seven chromosomes d. eight chromosomes
2. Nullisomy is represented by
a. 2n – 1 b. 2n + 1
c. 2n + 2 d. 2n – 2.
3. What is a chromosomal aberration?
4. Write in three sentences about duplication of genes in a
chromosome.
5. What is a hypoploidy? State its two types.
6. Write any three significance of ploidy.
7. Write short notes on inversion.
8. Write the significance of ploidy.
9. Illustrate allopolyploidy with an example.
10. Explain translocation chromosomal aberration with the help of
diagrams.
11. Write a detailed account on aneuploidy.
12. Write the flow chart of ploidy.
131
3.7. DNA as a genetic material
It is evident that chromosomes are the carriers of genetic material.
Chromosomes contain proteins, DNA and RNA. It is universally accepted
that DNA is the genetic material in most of the organisms and higher
organisms. In most of the plant viruses, RNA is the genetic material.
There are many direct evidences for DNA being the genetic material.
Here, we will discuss one of the evidences illustrated by Frederick Griffith.
R-type cells S-type cells Heat killed S-type cells Heat killed
R-type cells S-type cells
Fig. 3.7 Griffith experiments on mouse

Hereditary role of DNA – Bacterial transformation
In 1928, the bacteriologist Frederick Griffith conducted an experiment
using Diplococcus pneumoniae. He studied two strains of virulent
Diplococcus causing pneumonia. The virulent strain synthesized a smooth
polysaccharide coat and produces smooth colonies. This strain was called
strain-S. Another strain which lacked the proper polysaccharide coat is
harmless and produces rough colonies. This strain was called strain-R.
When Griffith injected S-type of cells into the mouse, the mouse
died. When R-type cells were injected into the mouse, the mice did not
die. He injected heat killed S-type cells into the mouse. The mouse did not
die. Griffith killed some smooth strain bacteria and mixed it with live
rough strain bacteria. When the mixture of heat killed S-type cells and R-type
132
cells was injected into the mouse, the mouse was dead. The living rough
strain of Diplococcus had been transformed into S-type cells. That is the
hereditary material of heat killed S-type cells had transformed R-type
cells into virulent smooth strains. Thus the phenomenon of changing the
character of one strain by transferring the DNA of another strain into the
former is called transformation.
Structure of DNA
DNA and RNA are identified in the nucleus. They are complex macro
molecules and made up of millions of smaller units called nucleotides.
Hence, DNA is a macromolecular substance with double stranded
polynucleotide. Each nucleotide is
G C made up of pentose sugar, a
A T phosphate group and a nitrogenous
A
base. Ribose is the constituent sugar
T
in RNA and Deoxyribose in DNA.
The nitrogenous bases are of two
G C kinds – purines and pyrimidines.
T A Adenine and guanine are the purines
C G and thymine and cytosine are
pyrimidines. The nitrogenous bases
G C A – Adenine found in DNA are adenine, guanine,
T A G – Guanine cytosine and thymine, whereas in
C – Cytosine RNA thymine is replaced by uracil.
C
T – Thymine The sub-unit containing only sugar
G
and nitrogenous base is known as
A T nucleoside. A nucleoside combines
with phosphate to form a nucleotide.
Fig. 3.8 Watson and Crick Thus, four kinds of nucleotides are
model of DNA seen in DNA molecule. They are
adenine nucleotide, guanine nucleotide, thymine nucleotide and cytosine
nucleotide. Hence, nucleotides are building blocks of DNA.
In 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick proposed double helix DNA
model on the basis of x-ray diffraction studies with photographs of DNA
taken by Wilkins and Franklin. DNA is a double stranded structure in which
the two strands are coiled around each other forming a double helix. The
DNA duplex is “coil of life”. There are two grooves found in DNA molecule
133
namely major and minor grooves. The backbone of the helix is formed of
sugar and phosphate molecule. The nitrogenous bases are attached to sugar
molecules. The two nucleotide strands are held together by unstable
hydrogen bonds. Erwin Chargaff in 1949 showed that
(i) The bases pair in specific manner. Adenine always pairs with thymine
and guanine pairs with cytosine.
(ii) Total amount of purine nucleotides is always equal to the total amount
of pyrimidine nucleotides i.e.[A] + [G] = [T] + [C].
(iii) The proportion of adenine is equal to thymine and so also of guanine
is equal to cytosine. But the [A] + [T] need not necessarily be equal
to [G] + [C].
These empirical rules regarding the composition of bases in DNA is
collectively known as Chargaff’s law or Base pair rules. There are two
hydrogen bonds between adenine and thymine (A= T) and there are three
hydrogen bonds between guanine and cytosine (G≡C) pairing. The two
strand run antiparallely in opposite directions ie. they run in opposite
direction 5’ to 3’ end and 3’ to 5’ end. The two strands are interwined in
clockwise direction. The width of DNA molecule is 20 Å. The strand
completes a turn every 34 Å along its length. There are ten nucleotides
per turn. The internucleotide distance is 3.4 Å. Watson and Crick model
of DNA is called B-form DNA. The chains in B-form DNA are in right
handed orientation.
Functions of DNA
It controls all the biochemical activities of the cell. It carries genetic
information from one generation to other. It controls protein synthesis
and synthesize RNAs.
Replication of DNA
DNA is the genetic material of almost all the organisms. One of the
active functions of DNA is to make its copies which are transmitted to the
daughter cells. Replication is the process by which DNA makes exact
copies of itself. Replication is the basis of life and takes place during the
interphase stage. Watson and Crick suggested the semiconservative method
of replication of DNA. This has been proved by Messelson and Stahl’s in
134
Super
Topoisomerase
coil
Helicase
Helix destabilising protein
Primase
Replication RNA primer
fork
DNA
polymerase
Okazaki fragments
Ligase
RNA
primer DNA polymerase
Fig. 3.9 Semiconservative method of replication of DNA

their experiments on Escherichia coli using radioactive isotopes. The
replication of chromosome in E. coli is completed in 40 minutes.
During replication of DNA, the two complementary strand of DNA
uncoil and separate from one end in a zipper like fashion. The enzyme
helicase unwinds the two strands and as a result replication fork is formed.
As the DNA unwinds, the part of the DNA that is found above the
replication fork becomes supercoils. These are called positive supercoils.
An enzyme called topoisomerase releases these supercoils. Based on
separated DNA strands, new strands grow by the addition of nucleotides.
DNA polymerase I, II and III are involved in this elongation. However,
these enzymes are not capable of initiating DNA synthesis.
For the synthesis of new DNA, two things are required. One is RNA
primer and the enzyme primase. The DNA polymerase moves along the
newly formed RNA primer nucleotides, which leads to the elongation of
DNA. In the other strand, DNA is synthesized in small fragments called
Okazaki fragments. These fragments are linked by the enzyme called
135
ligase. In the resulting DNA, one of the strand is parental and the other is
the newer strand which is formed discontinuously. Hence, it is called
semidiscontinuous replication.
Self evaluation
1. Double helix DNA model was proposed by _____
a. Watson and Crick b. O.T. Avery et al.
c. Griffith d. Stinberg
2. The width of DNA molecule is
a. 18 Å b. 20 Å
c. 34 Å d. 35 Å
3. What is s - strain of Diplococcus?
4. What are the empirical rules of Chargaff regarding the composition
of bases in DNA?
5. Explain genetic transformation.
6. What are called Okazaki fragments?
7. How is replication fork formed in DNA strand at the time of
replication?
8. What is positive supercoil? How is it released?
9. State the functions of DNA.
10. Explain Frederick Griffith experiment on mouse.
11. Write short notes on replication of DNA.
12. Write an account on the structure of DNA.
136
3.8. Structure of RNA and its types
The Ribonucleic acid is otherwise known as RNA. This is universally
present in all organisms except in DNA viruses. It is made up of nucleotides
called ribonucleotides. There are four types of nucleotides having four
different nitrogenous bases. But sugar and phosphate are common for all
nucleotides. The four nucleotides are adenine, cytosine, guanine and
uracil. The RNA plays an important role in protein synthesis. Now we
will know more about their types and their role in the biology of an
organism.
Types of RNA
There are three major types of RNA which occur in all organisms.
They are messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal
RNA (rRNA).
Messenger RNA
As the name suggests mRNA carries the genetic information from
DNA to the ribosomes. Genetic informations on the DNA are transcribed
into the mRNA by a process called transcription. Here the “message” is
translated into action i.e. based on the genetic information different types
of proteins are synthesised. The type of gene that is involved in protein
synthesis depends upon their length, kinds and sequence of nucleotides.
It is about 3 to 5 per cent of the RNA content of the cell. The mRNA is
always single stranded. The mRNA is produced as a complementary
copy of the DNA, which is involved in protein synthesis.
Transfer RNA Aminoacid
D arm acceptor arm
Transfer RNA is also known as
(D=Dihydrouridine)
soluble RNA (sRNA). The tRNA is a
small molecule compared with other
types of RNAs. It amounts to about
15 per cent of total RNA of the cell. Extra arm
T ψ C arm
The tRNA molecule performs a (T=Thymine
number of functions. The most ψ = Pseudouridine
important one is to act as a carrier of Anticodon C = Cytocine)
arm
aminoacid to the site of protein
synthesis. There are about more than Fig. 3.10 Structure of tRNA
20 types of tRNAs. Each tRNA is
137
specific for a particular amino acid. In bacterial cell, there are more than
70 tRNAs and in eukaryotic cells the number is even greater. There are
four or five tRNAs specific for a particular amino acid and these are
called isoacceptor tRNAs.
Structure
The tRNA has a cloverleaf like structure. It is synthesized in the
nucleus on a small part of DNA. In 1965, R.W. Holley suggested the
cloverleaf model of tRNA. Though tRNA molecule consists of a single
strand, it assumes clover leaf like structure through folding. There are
three folds in the clover leaf tRNA. It has four arms namely anticodon
arm, D arm, T C arm and aminoacid acceptor arm. The tRNA molecules
are made up of 73 to 93 ribonucleotides. The acceptor arm carries an
aminoacid. The anticodon arm has three anticodon nucleotides, which
will join with the complementary codon in mRNA during protein synthesis
i.e. three nucleotides in the tRNA pairs with three nucleotides of mRNA.
In certain tRNAs in addition to these four arms an extra arm called variable
arm occurs as shown in the figure. The aminoacid acceptor and the
anticodon arms are oriented in opposite directions.
Ribosomal RNA
This is found in the ribosomes. The rRNA represents about 40 to 60
per cent of the total weight of the ribosomes. Relatively it constitutes
about 80 per cent of the total RNA of the cells. They are produced in the
nucleus. They are the most stable forms of RNA. They consist of single
strand of nucleotides. At some regions, the strand is folded.
Comparison between DNA and RNA
DNA RNA
1. It contains a 5C deoxyribose. 1. It contains five carbon sugar ribose

2. It contains adenine, guanine, 2. It contains adenine, guanine,
cytosine and thymine cytosine and uracil.
3. It mostly occurs as a double- 3. It often occurs as a single stranded.
stranded helix.
4. It is often much longer. 4. It is shorter.
5. It is more stable. 5. It is less stable.
138
Role of RNA in protein synthesis
There are three types of RNA in the organism namely mRNA, tRNA
and rRNA. mRNA brings the message in the form of codons from DNA to
the site of protein synthesis ie. ribosome. The tRNA molecule performs a
number of functions. The most important one is to carry specific aminoacids
to the site of protein synthesis. The rRNA is found in ribosomes. During
protein synthesis, rRNA provides the site where aminoacids are assembled.
3.9. Genetic code
Aminoacids are the basic units of proteins. Different types of proteins
are synthesized using 20 different aminoacids. But number of aminoacids
and their arrangements vary in different types of proteins. These features
ultimately determined by the nucleotide sequence in the DNA. At the time
of protein synthesis, the sequence of information in the form of three
successive nucleotide bases in the mRNA, which codes for specific
aminoacid in a polypeptide is called genetic code. It is transferred from
DNA to mRNA.
The unit of genetic code is codon, which has three nucleotide bases.
Hence, it is also known as triplet. The four-nucleotide bases adenine,
guanine, cytosine and uracil combine with each other in different
combination to form 64 codons. The mRNA carries number of codons
depending upon the type of protein to be synthesized. For example, if a
protein consists of 100 aminoacids, there will be 300 nucleotide bases in
the genetic code (100 codons).
Characteristics of genetic code
Out of 64 codons, three codons are called stop codons UAA, UAG
and UGA. Remaining 61 codons code 20 different aminoacids. For
example, lysine has two codons AAA and AAG. Proline has four
codons CCA, CCG, CCC and CCU.
In the codons of a particular aminoacid, the first and the second
aminoacids remain the same and the third nucleotide only changes.
The initial or starting codon is AUG, which also code for methionine.
The genetic code is non-overlapping i.e. adjacent codons do not
overlap. The non-overlapping code means that the same letter is not
used to code two different aminoacids. For example, UUU codes for
phenylalanine and CCC for proline.
139
There is no signal to indicate the end of one codon and beginning of
the next codon i.e. codes are arranged without space. Thus, genetic
code is commaless.
The same codon shall not code for two or more different aminoacids.
Thus, the genetic code is non-ambiguous.
The genetic code occurs in all organisms. Thus, the genetic code
shows universality.
The three triplets UAA, UAG and UGA do not code for any
aminoacid. These are called non-sense codon. The other 61 codons
are called sense codons.
Central dogma of molecular biology
Aminoacids are linked by means of peptide bonds to form a protein.
A protein may contain thousands of aminoacids. The central dogma of
molecular biology is illustrated as below.
Fig.3.11 Central dogma of molecular biology
140
The transfer of message present in the DNA is the initial step and the
message is transferred to mRNA. This is known as transcription. Based
on the message in the codon, the proteins are synthesized. This stage is
called translation.
Transcription
The process by which an enzyme system transfers the genetic
information of DNA into RNA strand is called transcription. It is the
process of copying of a complementary mRNA strand on a DNA strand.
It requires a template DNA, ribonucleotides, triphosphates like ATP
and GTP, metal ions Mg2+ and Mn2+ and RNA polymerase. The RNA
polymerase has a sigma factor, which initiates transcription. During
transcription, the DNA strands unwind and one of the strands functions
as the template for mRNA. The nucleotides of mRNA so formed are
complementary to those of DNA strand. However, in mRNA uracil replaces
thymine of DNA. The information for protein synthesis present in DNA
is now transcribed to mRNA. This process is known as transcription.
Translation
According to genetic information present in the mRNA, specific
aminoacids are assembled to form polypeptide chain. The process of
translating the nucleotide sequence of mRNA into the aminoacid sequence
of a polypeptide is called translation i.e. it means decoding the message
for protein synthesis. It involves attachment of mRNA to the 30S segment
of the ribosomes. The enzymes activate the aminoacids. Specific tRNA
picks up the activated aminoacids.
Initially, the tRNA bonds with aminoacid molecules. This reaction is
catalysed by aminoacyl tRNA synthetase. The tRNAs containing specific
aminoacids are now referred to ‘charged tRNAs’. The actual process of
translation begins, when the initiating aminoacyl tRNA binds to the
ribosome and base pairs with mRNA codon AUG. This reaction is
promoted by initiating factor. The polypeptide chain increases in length
by the linking of successive aminoacids as per the genetic code. Thereby,
elongation of polypeptide chain takes place. This reaction is promoted by
elongation factor.
141
Stopping codons UAA, UAG and UGA signal the completion of
polypeptide chain. Then, the polypeptide chain is released from the
ribosomes with the help of release factors. The proteins become biologically
active when they are folded to attain three-dimensional configuration.
This is achieved by the attachment of phosphate or any prosthetic group
to the protein.
Self evaluation
1. RNA is universally present in all organisms except in _____
a. TMV
b. bacteria
c. algae
d. DNA viruses
2. mRNA is about _____ of the RNA content of the cell
a. 10 - 20%
b. 5 - 10%
c. 3 - 5%
d. 20 - 30%
3. In bacterial cell, there are more than _____ tRNAs
a. 200
b. 70
c. 300
d. 400
4. What are isoacceptor tRNAs?
5. What are the four arms found in the clover leaf structure of tRNA?
6. Write short notes on the structure of t-RNA.
7. Write the differences between DNA and RNA.
142
8. Write an account on the structure of RNA and its types.
9. What is genetic code? Write its characteristics.
10. Explain the central dogma of molecular biology.
Reference
1. Chromosomes by Archana Sharma Oxford and IBH, 1995.
2. Cell structure and function, Loewy and Siekevitz, Oxford and
IBH, 1978.
3. Genetics by Winchester Oxford - 1966.
4. DNA synthesis by Arthur Kornberg, - 1974.
5. Principles of genetics by Sinnott, Dunn and Dobzhansky, 1958.
143
4. BIOTECHNOLOGY
In the science of genetics, some sweeping changes are taking place.
A lowly bacterium that is found in the bowels of everyone namely
Escherichia coli is drawing the attention of all scientists and learned people.
This bacterium has become one of the potentially most powerful tools
known to science in genetic manipulation In this chapter, you will learn
that we now have the ability to find specific genes, to cut them away from
chromosomes, to insert them into the chromosomes of other species. Genes
have been duplicated countless times to harvest their protein product in
large quantities. There are both advantages and disadvantages in doing
recombinant research on plants. Several important species such as carrot,
cabbage, citrus and potatoes can be grown from single cells. So, once a
gene is introduced to a cell, a clone of that cell can produce countless
altered progeny. Most plant characteristics that need improvement such
as growth rate, size of edible parts and amino acid balance are polygenic
– controlled by many genes. Most of the genes responsible for such traits
were not yet identified. It is also very difficult to clone five or more genes
which control a trait. These inevitable disadvantages are there in
recombinant DNA technology.
4.1. Recombinant DNA technology
It is a technique where the selected DNA of one organism
(Donor) is introduced to combine with the DNA of another organism
called recipient organism. As a result, the recipient organism acquires
the genetic abilities of the donor. Altering the genome of an organism
by introducing genes of interest is known as gene manipulation or
DNA recombinant technology. As this mechanism has the ability to
engineer new organisms, it is known as genetic engineering.
Basic techniques of genetic engineering
Bacterial cells have different kinds of enzymes. Some of these
can cut DNA into fragments and others can join such fragments. For
example, restriction endonucleases discovered in 1970 are involved in
cutting DNA at specific sites. Hence they are called molecular scissors.
The enzyme DNA ligase discovered in 1966 acts like a paste molecule
144
to join DNA fragments. Thus the restriction endonuclease and the DNA
ligase are the basic tools required for genetic engineering.
The events of recombinant DNA technology are as follows.
1. The DNA of donor organism or gene of interest is isolated and
cut into fragments using restriction endonucleases.
2. They are attached to a suitable replicon. Such replicon is known
as vector or cloning vehicle, which is nothing but the extra
chromosomal circular DNA found in the cytoplasm of Eschrichia
coli is called plasmid. The plasmids are the most suitable
vectors.
3. The DNA of the vector is cut into fragments using the same
restriction endonucleases. Using the enzyme DNA ligase, the
Fig.4.1.Various steps involved in production of human insulin

145
DNA fragments of donor and vector are joined together. This
process is called splicing. As a result of splicing hybrid DNA
or recombinant DNA (rDNA) is obtained.
4. The rDNA is introduced into the host cells such as E.coli,
Bacillus subtilis, Streptomyces sp. etc.,
5. For this the host cells are treated with the enzyme cellulase. So
that the cell wall of host becomes permeable to the entry of
rDNA.
The host organism follows the instructions of “foreign rDNA”.
It continues to multiply with the foreign DNA or gene of interest.
After a short time, this results in a colony of bacteria having rDNA
fragments. Each colony is grown separately to obtain multiplication of
rDNA fragments. At the end we get a number of colonies having
identical copies of rDNA fragments. This is called molecular coloning
or gene coloning.
Once the gene for the production of human insulin from
pancreatic cells is introduced into E.coli, the recipient cell produces
human insulin. This is the way by which the human insulin is made to
be produced by bacterial cell such as E.coli.
Gene transfer in plants
Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a soil inhabiting bacterium and has Ti

(tumor inducing) plasmid. This bacterium invades crops such as tomato,
sunflower, brinjal and cotton and causes crown gall disease which is in the
form of tumerous growth. The Ti plasmid carried by the pathogenic
bacterium causes tumours. For effective cloning of foreign genes by the
plant cells, and for introduction of genes into plant system, Agrobacterium
strains are modified by the removal of tumour – inducing genes from the
bacterium. T–DNA is the part of Ti plasmid transferred into plant cell
DNA. The T–DNA which holds the desired foreign gene after splicing is
introduced into the plant cell. The bacterial plasmid do not produce
tumerous growth since the gene had been deleted. Once the T–DNA
along with the spliced gene is introduced, it combines with the chromosome
of the donor cell where it produces copies of itself, by migrating from one
146
id T-DNA integrated into
lasm T-DNA
Ti p host DNA
Foreign DNA
Foreign
Bacterial DNA
chromosome
Plant cell Transformed

plant cell
Multiplication of
cells
Plant bearing genes
for new traits
Plantlets grown in culture medium
Fig. 4.2. Gene transfer in plants
chromosomal position to another. Through tissue culture methods, such

plant cells are cultured, induced to multiply and differentiate to form into
plantlets. The plantlets are transplanted to soil, where they are allowed to
express the foreign gene introduced into them when they multiply and
grow in larger population.
How DNA is cut?
All bacteria produce atleast one type of restriction enzymes. They

are meant to help the recombinant researchers to enable them to cut the
DNA but to help in the very survival of the bacterial species against the
invading bacterial viruses. The restriction enzymes can chop up and render
harmless invading viral DNA.Restriction enzymes cleave DNA at very specific
places along its length. The restriction enzyme ECORI (E.coli Restriction
Enzyme I) produced by the intestinal bacterium E. coli recognizes the
following sequence.
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Two DNA molecules with sticky ends (ends that are staggered or
uneven) tend to join with other molecules with a complementary sequence
of nucleotides in the ends. With the same enzyme, DNA fragments are
cut with the matching sequence of nucleotides which complements with
the sticky ends.
Action of restriction enzyme
Fragments of DNA from different organisms or even from different
species may be joined together at their sticky ends, thereby producing
recombinant DNA. This is made possible by the use of an enzyme called
ligase. Hence, ligase is used to join the two DNA fragments.
Fig.4.3. Action of restriction enzyme

148
Restriction enzyme and ligase do not care about the source of DNA.
Whenever the correct sequence of nucleotides are met with by the specific
restriction endonuclease, it cuts it. Similarly whenever the correct
sequences of nucleotides at their sticky ends in the two strands are met
with, these are ligated (joined) by the enzyme ligase.
Advantages of recombinant DNA
A sample of therapeutic drugs presently manufactured through

recombinant DNA is found in the table given below.
Genetically engineered products
S.No Products Functions
1. Human growth hormone Promotes growth in children with
hypopituitarism
2. Interferon Helps the cells resist viruses.
3. Interleukin Stimulates the proliferation of WBCs
that take part in immunity
4. Insulin Treats diabetes
5. Renin inhibitors Decreases blood pressure.
Self evaluation
1. Restriction enzymes are synthesized by
a. bacteria only
b. yeast and bacteria only
c. eukaryotic cells only
d. all kinds of cells
2. Each restriction enzyme cleaves a molecule only at
a. the ends of genes
b. methyl groups
c. nucleotide sequence
d. the time of DNA replication
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3. Define recombinant DNA.
4. Name the enzymes involved in the making of a DNA hybrid.
5. What are restriction endonucleases?
6. What is the importance of Escherichia coli in biotechnology?
7. What is the role of restriction enzymes in bacteria?
8. Define splicing.
9. What is a cloning vector? Why are they necessary?
10. Give an illustrated account of gene cloning.
11. What is the role of Agrobacterium for gene transfer in plants?
12. How is DNA cut?
IV. Answer the following questions in about 200 words
13. Write an essay on DNA recombinant technology.
150
4.2 Transgenic plants
Introduction of foreign gene
In genetically engineered plant cells, a bacterium Agrobacterium is
mainly involved in transfer of foreign gene. However, Agrobacterium
cannot infect all plants since it has a narrow range of host specificity.
Therefore other techniques have been developed to introduce foreign DNA
into plant cells. Novel methods of ensuring DNA uptake into cells include
electroporation and mechanical delivery or biolistics.
Electroporation is a process of creating temporary pores in the cell
membrane by application of electric field. Creation of such pores in a
membrane allows introduction of foreign molecules such as DNA, RNA,
antibodies, drugs, etc. into cytoplasm. The development of this technique
is due to contribution of biophysics, bioengineering, cell and molecular
biology. While the technique is now used widely to create transgenic
microorganisms, plants and animals, it is used increasingly for application
of gene therapy.
The mechanical particle delivery or gene gun methods to deliver
DNA on microscopic particles into target tissue or cells. The process is
increasingly used to introduce new genes into a range of bacterial, fungal
plant and mammalian species. It is the main method of choice for genetic
engineering of many plant species including rice, corn, wheat, cotton and
soyabean.
Transgenic (modified) plants
Presently, more than 50 types of genetically engineered plant species,
called transgenic plants have been successfully developed. These plants
were made to resist insect pests, viruses or herbicides through incorporation
of foreign gene into DNA of host plant cells. Initially transgenic plants
were developed more in dicotyledons, but now extended to several
monocotyledons like wheat, maize, rice and oats. Transgenic plants have
also been developed and are suitable for food industries (delaying ripening
in tomato).
Gene pharming, the use of transgenic plants as bioreactors or factories
for production of speciality chemicals and pharmaceuticals is being pursued
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by a number of firms. Plants have been engineered to produce human
proteins, such as hormones, in their seeds. A weed called mouse-eared
cress has been engineered to produce a biodegradable plastic
(polyhydroxybutyrate, or PHB) in tissue granules.
Transgenic dicotyledonous plants
1. Nicotiana tabacum 4. Helianthus annuus
2. Beta vulgaris 5. Solanum tuberosum
3. Glycine max 6. Gossypium hirsutum
Transgenic monocotyledonous plants
1. Asparagus sp. 3. Zea mays
2. Oryza sativa 4. Avena sativa
Herbicide resistance in transgenic plants
Under normal circumstances, herbicides affect photosynthesis or
biosynthesis of essential amino acids. Under field conditions, application
of herbicides not only kills the unwanted weeds but also greatly affects
the field crops. In order to protect the crops against exposure to herbicides,
scientists after intensive research isolated a gene from Streptomyces
hygroscopicus which encodes an enzyme, capable of inactivating the
herbicide ‘Basta’. Transgenic plants with this gene have been developed,
demonstrating effectiveness of this gene for protection against herbicide
‘Basta’. Thus, herbicide-tolerant crop plants have now been developed
by genetically manipulating plant genomes resistant to specific herbicides.
Improved resistance to insect pests and microbial diseases
Genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt2) have been introduced into
several crops, including tomato and cotton, and field-testing has
demonstrated impressive results against many pests. Spore preparation
of this bacterium is used as a biological insecticide during the last 20
years. Insecticidal activity depends on a toxic protein called delta
endotoxins. The toxin gene (Bt2) from Bacillus thuringiensis has been
isolated and used for Agrobacterium. Ti plasmid mediated transformation
of tobacco, cotton and tomato plants. The transgenic plants were resistant to the
Manducta sexta, a pest of tobacco. India had acquired technology from U.S.A. for
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introducing Bt toxin gene in cotton for the development of resistance
against pests in this major cash crop of India. Widespread use of
insecticides, fungicides and pesticides for crop protection undoubtedly
has damaging effects on the environment and hence it is important to
improve the control of pests and diseases by genetic means. Genetic
modification of plants is an attempt for ecofriendly measures against
environmental degradation.
Through genetic modification, the oil-producing soya bean was tailored
to produce a wide range of industrial lubricants, cosmetic compounds and
detergents that are biodegradable. A whole new area of biotechnology
has been opened up and plants are made to synthesize many novel substances
including functional human antibody fragments.
Practical application of genetic transformation
By genetic manipulation, it is possible to obtain plants with insecticidal
property. Thus, application of chemical pesticides to the crop plants
is reduced.
Genetic manipulation is also carried out in crops for making desirable
storage proteins, vitamins, amino acids and for the suppression of
antinutritional protein synthesis.
Plants are made to produce large amount of secondary metabolites
having high commercial value.
Losses during storage and transport of some crops can be as high as
80 per cent. This is mainly due to biological activities - bruising,
heat and cold damage in soft fruits and vegetables. In tomato the
enzyme polygalactronase breaks down cell wall constituents, thus
leading to softening of the fruit during ripening. By inhibiting the
polygalactronase by antisense genes the tomato can remain dormant
fresh until mature and be transported in a firm solid state. Antisense
RNA is a RNA molecule capable of controlling and expression of
particular enzymes which are involved in ripening processes.
Genetic manipulation of flower and leaf colour, abundance of flowers,
perfume and shape are now the major targets for decorative plant
industries.
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Transgenic microbes
The genetically engineered micro-organisms are being used for the
commercial production of some non-microbial products such as insulin,
interferon, human growth hormone and viral vaccines.
Use of genetically engineered bacterial strain
In 1979, for the first time Anand Mohan Chakrabarty, an Indian born
American scientist developed a strain of Pseudomonas putida that contained
a hybrid plasmid derived by combining parts of CAM and OCT. (CAM
and OCT are the plasmids which contain the genes responsible for the
decomposition of the hydrocarbons like camphor and octane respectively
present in the oil.) This strain could grew rapidly on crude oil because it
was capable of metabolizing hydrocarbons more efficiently. The bacterial
strain called the superbug was produced on a large scale in laboratory,
mixed with straw and dried. When the straw was spread over oil slicks,
the straw soaked up the oil and bacteria broke up the oil into non-polluting
and harmless products. In this way, pollution of land and water due to the
oil slicks can be remedied and the phenomenon is called bioremediation.
It is defined as the use of living microorganisms to degrade environmental
pollutants or prevent pollution. The contaminated sites are restored and
future pollution is prevented.
Benefits from release of genetically modified microorganisms into the
environment.
Protection of environment - Bioremediation of polluted environment.
Microorganisms producing enzymes for food industry.
Microorganisms with improved efficiency of fermentation.
Improved microorganisms for milk industry.
Microorganisms as live attenuated vaccines for health care.
Increasing efficiency of plant nutrition, pest control (safe
biopesticides), protection of plants from climatic stress and protection
of plants from tumour formation and disease.
Self evaluation
1. One of the following process is employed to introduce a foreign
gene into a cell
a. electrolysis b. electroporation
c. plasmid d. ligation
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2. The number of transgenic plants available to-day are approxi-
mately
a. six b. two
c. twelve d. fifty
3. A toxic protein called delta endotoxin is insecticidal and it is
produced by
a. Escherichia coli b. Streptomyces griseus
c. Bacillus thuringiensis d. Bacillus lactii
4. Pseudomonas putida is a engineered bacterium that can
a. produce a hormone b. produce a antibiotic
c. digest crude oil slick d. pollute the soil
5. Define biopesticides.
6. Define transgenic plants.
7. What is the importance of Agrobacterium tumefaciencs?
8. What is gene gun method of delivery of DNA?
9. Give the binomials of atleast two dicot transgenic plants.
10. What is the role of transgenic plants in food industry?
11. Give a brief account of herbicide resistance in transgenic plants.
12. How are foreign genes introduced into the plants?
IV . Answer the following questions in about 200 words.
13. What is the role of Bt toxin in crop protection against pest? Ex-
plain the action of biopesticide.
14. Write an essay on transgenic plants.
155
4.3. Plant tissue culture and its application
Plant tissue culture
Growing the plant cells, tissues and organs on a artificial, synthetic
medium under controlled conditions is called plant tissue culture. Plant
tissue culture has become a major thrust area in plant biotechnology.
Concept
The basic concept of plant tissue culture is totipotency, differentiation,
dedifferentiation and redifferentiation.
Totipotency
The inherent potential of any living plant cell to develop into entire
organism is called totipotency. This is unique to plant cells.
Differentiation
The meristematic tissue is differentiated into simple or complex tissues.
Dedifferentiation
Reversion of mature tissue into meristematic state leading to the
formation of callus is called dedifferentiation.
Redifferentiation
The ability of the callus to develop into shoot or root or embryoid.
The origin and development of plant tissue culture
The beginning of plant tissue culture was made as early as 1898,
when a German Botanist G. Haberlandt successfully cultured individual
plant cells, isolated from different tissues. But only during 1934 to 1939,
a foundation of plant tissue culture was laid down by three scientists
(Gauthret, White and Nobecourt) due to discovery of plant growth
regulators such as auxins and vitamins.
During next twenty years (1940 to 1960) a variety of growth regulator
such as cytokinins were identified for their effect on cell division, growth
and differentiation.
After 1960, in vitro culture of plant cells, tissues and organs was
reasonably well developed. Research in this area was initiated in early
156
1960s by Prof. P. Maheshwari and
Prof. S. Narayanaswamy at the
Department of Botany, University
of Delhi in India. Consequently,
media and culture techniques for a
variety of plant materials became
known, which are now extensively
Pot plant utilised in all areas of plant
improvement programmes.
Basic techniques of plant tissue
Explant
culture
1. Culture vessels
Surface The culture vessels used for
sterilization
plant tissue studies includes
Erylenmayer flask (conical flask),
Inoculation
petri plates and culture tubes (25 x
150mm).
Medium 2. Culture medium
The important media used for
Induction of callus all purpose experiment are
Murashige and Skoog medium
Medium (MS medium), Gamborg medium
(B5 medium), White medium
(W medium) and Nitsch medium.
Callus
The culture medium is closed with
Plantlets cotton plug/ or aluminium foil
sheet. The pH of the medium is
Regeneration
of shoot and root adjusted to 5.8 (acidic range).
3. Sterilization
Pot plants Sterilization is the technique
employed to get rid of the microbes
Transferred to field
such as bacteria and fungi in the
(Hardening) culture medium and plant tissues.
Fig. 4.4 Techniques of So, it is important to sterilize the
tissue culture culture medium and plant tissue.
157
The culture medium can be sterilised by keeping it in an autoclave and
maintaining the temperature of 121°C for 15 minutes. The plant tissue
(inoculum) is to be surface sterilised.
Chemical sterilization
By treating the inoculum in any one of the chemical sterilizant such
as Sodium hypochlorite, Calcium hypochlorite, Mercury chloride for 15 to
20 minutes followed by repeated washing in sterile water upto 3 to 5 times.
4. Inoculation
Transfer of explant (root, stem, leaf, etc.) on to a culture medium is
called inoculation. The inoculation is carried out under aseptic condition
for which an apparatus called laminar air flow chamber is used. Flamed
and cooled forceps are used for transfer of plant materials to different
culture media kept in glasswares.
5. Incubation
o
The culture medium with the inoculum is incubated at 26 ± 2 C with
the light intensity at 2000 to 4000 lux (unit of intensity of light) and
allowing photoperiod of 16 hour of light and 8 hours of darkness.
6. Induction of callus
Due to activity of auxins and cytokinins, the explant is induced to
form callus. The callus is an unorganized mass of undifferentiated tissue.
The mechanism of callus formation is that auxin induce cell elongation
and cytokinin induces cell division as a result of which masses of cells are
formed.
7. Morphogenesis
Formation of new organs from the callus under the influence of auxin
and cytokinin is called morphogenesis. Roots and shoots are differentiated
from the callus. Such embryos are called somatic embryos result in the
formation of young plantlet.
There are two types of morphogenesis
a. Organogenesis
Formation of new organs such as shoot and root is known as
organogenesis. The development of shoot from the callus is called
caulogenesis and formation of root is called rhizogenesis respectively.
158
b. Embryogenesis
Formation of embryos (ie. bipolar structure having shoot and root)
from the callus is called embryogenesis. These embryos arise from somatic
callus tissue and are called somatic embryos or embryoids or somaclonal
embryos.
8. Hardening
Exposing the plantlets to the natural environment in a stepwise manner
is known as hardening. Finally the plantlets are gradually transferred to
the soil.
Status of tissue culture technology in India
India is reported to have one of the largest groups of tissue culture
scientists in the world. Most of the research is directed towards the
development of improved plants for agriculture, horticulture and forestry
using tissue culture methods.
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, New
Delhi is playing a vital role in promoting research in the area of plant
tissue culture. Several laboratories are being supported by providing
funds for development of tissue culture technology for the improvement
of crop plants.
The important Biotechnology centres are
i. Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi.
ii. Bhaba Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai.
iii. Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic plants (CIMAP),
Lucknow.
iv. Dr.M.S. Swaminathan Research Institute (MSSRI), Chennai.
Applications of plant tissue culture
Several commercial establishments now routinely use
micropropagation for different foliage and ornamental plants.
Through tissue culture methods using bud proliferation and multiple
shoot formation, ornamental plants are produced in large numbers.
Virus free germplasm are produced through apical meristem culture
eg. banana.
Artificial synthetic seeds are produced through somatic embryogenesis.
159
Plant tissue culture is an important technique for the production of
secondary metabolites in large quantities.
Tissue culture helps in induction of haploidy in anther culture ie.
useful for mutation breeding, triploidy through endosperm culture
for inducing parthenocarpic fruits and polyploidy for increase in
biomass or yield.
Embryo culture technique is applied to overcome embryo abortion,
seed dormancy and self-sterility in seeds.
In recent years, plant tissue culture methods are employed in plants
for the introduction of foreign gene into plant cells through DNA
coated microparticles and delivering these particles into a host cell
by using a gene gun.
Protoplasmic fusion encourages genomes of incompatible crops to
come together to form somatic hybrids.
Plant tissue culture is applied in the area of plant physiological and
biochemical research to study the cell cycle, metabolism in cells,
nutritional, morphogenetical and developmental studies in plants.
By plant tissue culture techniques, a plant cell of potato and tomato
were brought together through protoplasmic fusion and the hybrid
cell was made to develop into a pomato plant. In pomato, the stem
bears the tubers and the branches produced tomatoes.
Self evaluation
1. The inherent potential of any living plant cell to develop into
entire organism is called
a. differentiation b. organogenesis
c. morphogenesis d. totipotency
2. The function of cytokinin is to increase
a. cell elongation b. fruit initiation
c. cell division d. differentiation
3. By the application of tissue culture, one important product is
formed
a. artificial synthetic seeds b. many seeded fruit
c. triploid endosperm d. induction of flowers
160
4. Define callus.
5. What is a somatic embryo?
6. Write a note on totipotency.
7. What is dedifferentiation?
8. Mention two media of plant tissue culture
9. What is sterilization?
10. Define inoculation.
11. What are the major procedure for rearing callus growth?
12. Briefly mention the principles involved in plant tissue culture.
13. Write a short account of the origin of tissue culture.
14. What are the outcomes of application of plant tissue culture?
15. Write an essay on plant tissue culture.
161
4.4. Protoplast fusion
Protoplasts are cells without a cell wall but bound by a plasma
membrane. The isolated protoplasts are totipotent. Because of this unique
property, plant protoplasts play a vital role in the field of genetic
engineering. Protoplast technology includes the isolation, culture and fusion
of higher plant protoplasts leading to the production of entire plants. You
will be studying the method of isolation and fusion of protoplast in this chapter.
A hybrid produced by fusion of somatic cells of two varieties (or)
species is called somatic hybrid. This process of producing somatic hybrids
is known as somatic hybridization. The first step in somatic hybridization
is the isolation of protoplast.
Isolation of protoplast
Protoplast can be isolated from a variety of plant tissues using either
mechanical (or) enzymatic methods.
Mechanical method
In this method, cells are kept in a suitable plasmolyticum (protoplast
shrink away from cell wall in a plasmolysed cell) and cut with a fine
knife, so that protoplasts are released from cells through the opening of
the cell wall. This method gives poor yield of protoplast and it is being rarely used.
Enzymatic method
Leaves from a 10 week old plant are sterilized with 70 per cent alcohol
and then treating them with 2 per cent solution of sodium hypochlorite for
20 to 30 minutes. The leaves are then washed with sterile water and
subsequent procedures are done under aseptic conditions (using laminar
air flow chamber). The lower epidermis of the leaf is peeled off and the
leaf is cut into small fragments. From the peeled leaf segments, the
protoplasts are isolated. For isolation of protoplast, peeled leaf segments
are placed with their lower surface downwards in a petridishes containing
the enzyme mixture, which consists of 0.5 per cent macerozyme, 2 per
cent cellulase in 13 per cent sorbitol or mannitol at pH 5.4. Finally the
protoplasts are released and are kept in the isotonic solution.
162
Strain A Strain B
Explant A Explant B
Cell wall
removal by
cellulase
Isolation of
protoplasts
Callus
Protoplast fusion Regenerated

plants
Fig.4.5 Protoplasmic fusion
163
Protoplasmic fusion
Protoplast fusion facilitates mixing of two genomes and could be
exploited in crosses which are not possible by conventional techniques
due to incompatibility. Even though transfer of a single gene from one
plant to another is desirable and protoplast fusion facilitates easy monitoring
of cell genetic changes. Protoplast fusion could be spontaneous during
isolation of protoplast or it can be induced by mechanical, chemical and
physical means.
The isolated protoplasts are kept in isotonic solution (mannitol and
enzyme mixture) to prevent damage. The isolated parent protoplasts are
fused with a fusogenic agent like Polyethylene glycol (PEG). It is followed
by nuclear fusion and results in a somatic hybrid. The somatic hybrids
are allowed to grow in the same culture medium. The fused protoplast
are then induced to regenerate the cell wall by transferring it into a suitable
medium. This is followed by callus formatiom which leads to regeneration
and organization of tissues.
Practical applications of protoplasmic fusion
Due to the existence of incompatibility prevailing between different
species, protoplasmic fusion greatly compensates for interspecific
hybridization. Somatic hybrids between rice and carrot were produced
only through the process of protoplasmic fusion. Somatic hybrids may be
used for gene transfer, transfer of cytoplasm and production of useful
allopolyploids.
4.5. Single cell protein
Microorganisms have been widely used for preparation of a variety
of fermented foods. Eg. cheese, butter, idlis, etc., in addition, some
microorganisms have long been used as human food, eg. the blue green
alga Spirulina, and the fungi commonly known as mushrooms. More
recently, efforts have been made to produce microbial biomass using low-
cost substrates and use as a supplemental food for human consumption or
used as feed for animals. Cells from a variety of micro-organisms, viz.,
bacteria, yeasts, filamentous fungi and algae used as food or feed are
called single cell protein (SCP).
164
The term ‘single cell protein’ was coined in 1966. The dried cells of
microorganisms used as food or feed for animals and they are collectively
known as Microbial proteins. This term was replaced by a new term
‘single cell protein’. The isolated protein or the total cell material is
called the SCP.
In view of the insufficient world food supply and the high protein
content of microbial cells, the use of biomass produced in the fermentor
(special sterilized vessel) or bio-reactor would be ideal supplement for
conventional food. Single cell protein is of great nutritional value because
of its high protein, vitamin and lipid content and for its essential amino
acids. In many countries, however people hesitate to use SCP as a major
food source because of the following -
The high nucleic acid content (4 to 6 per cent in algae, 6 to10 per cent
in yeast of SCP) can cause health problems like uric acid formation,
kidney stones and rheumatism in human beings.
Toxic or carcinogenic (cancer causing) substances absorbed from the
microbial growth substrate may be present.
Slow digestion of microbial cell in the digestive tract may cause
vomiting, indigestion and allergic reaction.
High cost of production will also be a deciding factor in determining
the ultimate place of SCP in the human or animal diet.
The following substrates are being studied for SCP production:
alkanes, methane, methanol, cellulose, carbohydrates and waste
materials.
Natural sources like wood chips, rice husk, cane and beet molasses,
peas and coffee industrial waste from which cellulose is obtained and
are used for the production of SCP.
Large scale cultivation of yeast on molasses is widely used in the
manufacture of Baker’s yeast containing mycoproteins which is used
in the SCP production.
Domestic sewage is not suitable for large scale SCP production. But
it is more important for methane production. The industrial wastewater
from cellulose processing, coffee and starch production, and food
processing have been used for SCP production.
165
Organisms used for SCP production
Algae Chlorella, Spirulina and Chlamydomonas.
Fungi Saccharomyces cereviseae, Volvoriella and
Agaricus campestris
Bacteria Pseudomonas and Alkaligenes
Uses of SCP
1. It is a rich source of protein (60 to 72 per cent), vitamins, amino
acids, minerals and crude fibres.
2. It is a popular health food. Nowadays, Spirulina tablets are prescribed
as enriched vitamin for most people.
3. It provides valuable protein-rich supplement in human diet.
4. It lowers blood sugar level of diabetics due to the presence of gamma-
linolenic acid and prevents the accumulation of cholesterol in human
body.
Self evaluation
1. The two protoplasts are fused with a fusogen called
a. polyethylene glycol (PEG) b. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
c. Polyethane glycol (PEG) d. Phosphoric ethane
2. Somatic hybrids are produced through
a. asexual fusion b. protoplasmic fusion
c. vegetative propagation d. grafting
3. One of the following organism is a SCP
a. Nostoc b. Rhizobium
c. Mushroom d. Spirulina
4. Enriched vitamin tablets are produced from the following organ-
ism for human consumption
a. Nostoc b. yeast
c. Mushroom d. Spirulina
5. Define SCP.
6. What is somatic hybridization?
7. What is a bioreactor or fermenter?
166
8. What is PEG?
9. How do you remove cell-wall from intact cells?
10. Why is SCP not popular for human consumptions?
11. Give an account of SCP.
12. Explain the enzymatic method of isolation of protoplast.
13. Mention some of the practical applications of protoplasmic fusion.
14. Explain as to how protoplasmic fusion can bring about somatic
hybridization in plants.
15. What will be the role of SCP to safeguard against human protein
deficiency for the future?
Reference
1. Elementary princi. of Plant breeding by Chaudhari Oxford and
IBH 1998.
2. Plant biotech. Adrian Slater, Nigel and Mork Powler Oxford
Uni. 2003.
3. Plant biotechnology by S.S. Purohit and Agrobios - India 2003.
4. Application of Plant biotechnology by S. Ignacimuthu, 1996
5. Plant cell, tissue and organ culture - fundamental methods by
Gamborg and Phillips, 1995.
6. Biotechnology by John E. Smith, Cambridge, 1996
167
5. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
Plant physiology is the branch of biological science, which deals with
the functioning, and interrelationships of cells, tissues and organs of plants.
Green plants have the capacity of harvesting light energy for life energy,
making use of inorganic raw materials. Most of the living organisms
including man depend upon this energy rich compounds of plants. Plants
not only provide food but also supply required oxygen for breathing.
Besides synthesizing organic compounds, plants carry other natural
phenomena of living organisms such as respiration, growth and
development. In this chapter, we study these natural phenomena operating
in plants. Though the plants do not have respiratory, circulatory and
digestive systems like animals, all these functions are carried out at cellular
level.
5.1. Enzymes
Enzymes are biological catalysts, which activate various biochemical
reactions of a living cell in a highly specific and precise manner. Enzymology
is the study of enzymes. The name enzyme was coined by Kuhne in 1878.
Pasteur recognised that some microorganisms like yeasts have got a capacity
to cause fermentation in wine. In 1897, Buchner discovered that yeast
extract could bring about fermentation of grape juice, like the living yeast
cells. He also observed that the extract has lost its catalytic activity on
boiling. He coined the word zymase for the active principle involved in
the fermentation. The substance on which the enzyme acts is called substrate.
Enzymes are essentially proteins but all proteins are not enzymes.
Apoenzyme Prosthetic group Holoenzyme

Fig. 5.1. Protein and nonprotein part of an enzyme
168
Many enzymes consists of a protein and non-protein component. They
are called holoenzymes. The protein component of a holoenzyme is called
apoenzyme and the non-protein component may be inorganic ions such as
Mg2+ and Mn2+ . They are tightly attached to apoenzyme. They are called
activators. The non-protein components may be organic substances such
as NAD+, NADP+ and FAD+. They are loosely attached to the apoenzyme.
They are called coenzyme or cofactors. An enzyme will not function
without its prosthetic group.
The specific region of the enzyme, which is involved in biochemical
reaction, is termed active site. It is at the active site where the enzyme
combines with its substrates to bring about biochemical reactions. An
enzyme may have more than one active site. They are required only in
very small quantities and yet capable of bringing about changes in large
number of substrate molecules.
5.1.1. Classification of enzymes
Enzymes are classified based on the kinds of reactions they catalyze.
Oxireductase
These enzymes catalyze oxidation or reduction of their substrates by
removing or adding electrons from or to substrates. eg. dehydrogenase,
oxidase and reductase.
Transferase
These enzymes transfer a group from one substrate to other. eg.
transaminase.
Hydrolases
These enzymes split larger molecules into smaller ones by the
hydrolysis of water and breaking of specific covalent bonds. eg.
carbohydrase.
Lyases
These enzymes catalyze the cleavage of specific covalent bonds and
removal of groups without hydrolysis. eg. Histidine decarboxylase.
169
Isomerases
The enzymes that catalyzes rearrangement of atoms within a molecule
to form isomers are called isomerases. eg. phosphohexoisomerase.
Ligases
Ligases catalyze the formation of C – C, C – S, C – O and C – N
bonds. The energy for the reaction is derived by the hydrolysis of ATP.
eg. pyruvate carboxylase.
5.1.2. Properties of enzymes
Like inorganic catalysts, the enzymes are active in very small amounts
and remain unchanged on completion of the reaction.
Enzymes are very specific in their action. i.e. a particular enzyme
usually acts on a particular substrates to catalyze particular type of
reaction. But some times, the same reaction may be catalyzed by
more than one enzyme. Such enzymes are called isoenzymes.
Enzymes are very sensitive to heat. The temperature at which an
enzyme shows its highest activity is called optimum temperature. The
activity of enzyme declines both the above and below the optimum
temperature. Protein part of the enzyme is the catalytic part.
Temperature above 50°C normally denatures the protein and so the
enzyme loses its activity.
The catalytic property of the enzyme is dependent on pH. The specific
pH at which the enzyme activity is high is called optimum pH. Different
types of enzymes have different optimum pH values. Most intracellular
enzymes function will be around neutral pH. Tripsins are active in
alkaline medium, diastase in neutral medium while pepsin in acidic
medium.
Enzymes are sensitive to inhibitors. The chemical substance that
combines with the enzymes and inhibits its catalytic activity is called
an inhibitor. eg. Cyanides.
In most of the cases, the reactions catalyzed by the enzymes are
reversible depending upon the requirements of the cell.
A B
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5.1.3. Theories explaining the mechanism of enzyme action
Two theories have been proposed to explain the mechanism and enzyme
action. They are Fischer’s Lock and key theory and Koshland’s induced
fit theory.
Fischer’s Lock and key theory
Lock and key theory was proposed by Fisher. According to this
theory, first a physical contact is made between the enzyme and the substrate.
As only a specific key fits in a particular lock to open it, a specific
substrate combines with the active site of specific enzyme. This combination
leads to the production of enzyme - substrate complex. Then the enzyme
acts on the substrate and changes it into products. After the reaction is
+ → → +
Active site Products
Enzyme Substrate Enzyme-susbstrate Released enzyme
complex
Fig.5.2 Fischer’s Lock and key theory of enzyme action
over, enzyme is released from the enzyme - substrate complex and is ready to
bind with another molecule of the substrate for further action. The cyclic reaction
is summarized by the equation
E+S [ES] P+E
(where, E - enzyme, S - substrate and P - product)
When a dissimilar substrate approaches the enzyme, it cannot combine
with the active site of the enzyme, as a wrong key cannot open the lock.
Thus, the enzyme action is inhibited.
Substrate
Koshland’s induced fit theory Enzyme-substrate
Induced fit theory was pro- complex
posed by Koshland. Proteins are Enzyme
not rigid. The substrate induces the
enzyme to adjust its shape leading
to the formation of enzyme sub-
strate complex. Then, the enzyme Fig. 5.3 Induced fit theory
acts on substrate and forms products. Many enzymes function in this way.
171
Mechanism of enzyme action
In a biochemical reaction, there is an energy barrier between the
reactants and the products. Only those molecules which possess a certain
amount of excess energy above the average energy of normal molecules
are able to react to form products. This excess energy which a normal
molecule must aquire in order to react is known as energy of activation
(Ea). This energy of activation determines the rate of reaction. Higher the
value of Ea, lower is the rate of reaction and greater stability. At higher
temperature, the rate
Energy of
of chemical reaction
ProductsPotential energy
activation becomes faster, because

without increased temperature brings
enzyme
Energy of activation about increased number of
with enzyme activated molecules. But in
Reactants the case of enzyme catalyzed
reaction, the rate of reaction
is optimum at normal body
Products temperature. Because all the
Reaction co-ordinates molecules either energy-rich
Fig. 5.4 Mechanism of enzyme action or energy-poor combine with
the active site of the enzyme
to form enzyme substrate complex. The latter breaks into enzyme and
product. Thus, the enzyme acts by lowering the energy of activation of
the reactions i.e. reducing the energy barrier and increases the rate of
reaction.
Self evalution
1. The term enzyme was coined by
a. Kuhne b. Fischer
c. Buchner d. Koshland
2. The lock and key theory of enzyme action was proposed by
a. Kuhne b. Fischer
c. Buchner d. Koshland
3. An example for transferase is
a. transaminase b. pyruvic carboxylase
c. histidine decarboxylase d. G-3-P dehydrogenase
172
4. What is holoenzyme?
5. Define energy of activation.
6. What is enzyme-substrate complex?
7. Bring out the characteristics of enzymes.
8. How are enzymes classified? Explain.
9. Explain energy of activation with the help of a graph.
10. Explain the theories on enzyme action.
5.2. Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis literally means ‘synthesis with the help of light’. It is
the process that gives life to all living beings. The plants convert light
energy
Carbondioxide
Oxygen
CO2
O2
↑↑↑ ↓↓↓
Sun light
Splitting of water
Sugar H2O
(C6H12O6)
Fig. 5.5 Diagrammatic illustration – photosynthesis.
173
into life energy. It is the only biological process that makes use of sun’s
light energy for driving the life machinery. Hence, photosynthesis is
regarded as ‘leader’ of all processes both biological and abiological. It is
the most fundamental of all biochemical reactions by which plants synthesize
organic compounds in the chloroplast from carbondioxide and water with
the help of sunlight. It is an oxidation–reduction reaction between water
and carbondioxide.
History of photosynthesis
320 BC Ancient Indians believed that plants fed from their feet –
Padapa, refers to a plant which drinks from the feet.
1727 Stephen Hales recognised the importance of light and air in
the nourishment of plants.
1779 Jan Ingen-Housz discovered that the green parts of the plant
purify the polluted air in the presence of light.
1782 Senebier showed that as the concentration of CO2 increases,
the rate of O2 evolution also increases.
1845 Von Mayer recognised that green plants convert solar energy
into chemical energy of organic matter.
1845 Liebig pointed out that the organic matter was derived from
CO2 and water.
1920 Warburg introduced the unicellular green alga Chlorella as
a suitable material to study photosynthesis.
1932 Emerson and Arnold showed that the existence of light and
dark reactions in photosynthesis.
1937 Hill demostrated photolysis of water by isolated chloroplasts
in the presence of suitable electron acceptor.
1941 Ruben and Kamen used 18O2 to show that O2 comes from
water in photosynthesis.
1954 Arnon, Allen and Whatley used 14CO2 to show fixation of
CO2 by isolated chloroplasts.
1954 Calvin traced the path of carbon in photosynthesis and gave
C3 cycle (Calvin cycle) and was awarded Noble prize in 1960.
1965 Hatch and Slack reported the C4 pathway for CO2 fixation
in certain tropical grasses.
174
5.2.1. Significance of photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a source of all our food and fuel. It is the only
biological process that acts as the driving vital force for the whole
animal kingdom and for the non-photosynthetic organism.
It drives all other processes of biological and abiological world. It is
responsible for the growth and sustenance of our biosphere.
It provides organic substances, which are used in the production of
fats, proteins, nucleoproteins, pigments, enzymes, vitamins, cellulose,
organic acids, etc. Some of them become structural parts of the
organisms.
It makes use of simple raw materials such as CO2, H2O and inexhaustible
light energy for the synthesis of energetic organic compounds.
It is significant because it provides energy in terms of fossil fuels like
coal and petrol obtained from plants, which lived millions and millions
of years ago.
Plants, from great trees to microscopic algae, are engaged in converting
light energy into chemical energy, while man with all his knowledge
in chemistry and physics cannot imitate them.
5.2.2. Site of photosynthesis
Chloroplasts are the actual sites for photosynthesis. All green parts
of a plant are involved in photosynthesis. Leaves are the most important
organs of photosynthesis. In xerophytes like Opuntia, the stem is green
and it performs photosynthesis. Over half a million chloroplasts are present
in one square millimetre of a leaf. It measures about 4 to 6 micron. A
Fig. 5.6 Structure of chloroplast

typical chloroplast of higher plants is discoid shaped. It is a double
membrane bound organelle containing chlorophyll, carotenoid, xanthophyll,
175
cytochrome, DNA, RNA, manganese, etc. Chloroplasts are generally
considerably larger than mitochondria.
The space enclosed by the envelope is filled with matrix called stroma.
In the stroma, many grana are embedded. In each granum, several disc
shaped lamellae are found. These disc shaped structures are called
thylakoids. They resemble a stack of coins. This structure is known
granum. Generally a chloroplast contains 40 to 60 grana. The
photosynthetic pigments are found in grana. The stroma contains circular
DNA, RNA and enzymes for starch synthesis.
5.2.3. Photochemical and biosynthetic phases
The pigments involved in photosynthesis are called photosynthetic
pigments. They are chlorophyll ‘a’, chlorophyll ‘b’, carotenoids,
xanthophyll and phycobilins. Magnesium is an essential component for
the formation of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll ‘a’ is a universal pigment present
in the plants in which water is one of the raw materials for photosynthesis.
Chlorophylls are highly efficient in absorbing solar energy and they are
directly linked to photosynthetic electron transport. Photosynthetic pigments
other than chlorophyll ‘a’ are generally called accessory pigments eg.
chlorophyll ‘b’, carotenoids and xanthophyll, whereas chlorophyll ‘a’ is
regarded as primary pigment.
Photosynthetic pigments occur in the granum. They constitute the
pigment system called photosystem. About 250 to 400 pigment molecules
are present in a photosystem. Two types of photosystems are found in the
granum. Photosystem I (PS I) has less accessory pigments and more
chlorophyll ‘a’, while photosystem II (PS II) has more accessory pigments
and less chlorophyll ‘a’. The primary function of photosystems is to trap
light energy and converts it to chemical energy. The energy absorbed by
accessory pigments is transferred to the chlorophyll ‘a’. The granal lamella
where the photosynthetic pigments are aggregated to perform photosynthetic
activities is called active centre.
Mechanism of photosynthesis
The overall reaction of photosynthesis can be written as follows.
176
The reactions of photosynthesis can be grouped into two – light
reactions and dark reactions. The reactions involving pigments, solar
energy and water that produce ATP and NADPH2, are called light reactions.
The photosynthetic reactions in which CO2 is reduced to carbohydrates
making use of ATP and NADPH2 generated by light reactions are
collectively called dark reactions.
The overall process of photosynthesis is illustrated in fig. 5.7.
ADP + Pi
–
4e–
4e 2NADPH2
ATP
4e– 4e–
2NADP+
O2
PS II PS I
4H+
2H2O
Light Light
energy energy
Light reactions
(CH2O)n
ATP
NADPH2
CO2
Dark reactions
Fig. 5.7 Overall scheme of photosynthesis
5.2.4. Electron transport system

The light driven reactions of photosynthesis are referred to as electron
transport chain. When PS II absorbs photons of light, it is excited and the
177
electrons are transported through electron transport chain of plastoquinone,
cytochrome b6, cytochrome f and plastocyanin. The electrons released
from PS II phosphorylate ADP to ATP. This process of ATP formation
from ADP in the presence of light in chloroplast is called
photophosphorylation.
Now, the PS II is in oxidised state. It creates a potential to split water
molecules to protons, electrons and oxygen. This light dependent splitting
of water molecules is called photolysis of water. Manganese, calcium
and chloride ions play prominent roles in the photolysis of water. The
electrons thus released are used in the reduction of PS II. Similar to PS II,
PS I is excited by absorbing photons of light and gets oxidised. This
oxidised state of the PS I draws electrons from PS II and gets reduced.
The electrons released to PS I are transported through electron transport
chain of ferredoxin reducing substrate, ferredoxin and ferredoxin NADP
reductase to reduce NADP+ to NADPH2.
5.2.5. Cyclic and noncyclic photophosphorylation
In chloroplasts, phosphorylation occurs in two ways – noncyclic
photophosphorylation and cyclic photophosphorylation.
Noncyclic photophosphorylation
When the molecules in the PS I are excited the electrons are released.
So, an electron deficiency or a hole is made in the PS I. This electron is
now transferred to ferredoxin to reduce NADP+. When the molecules in
the PS II get excited, electrons are released. They are transferred to fill
the hole in PS I through plastoquinone, cytochrome b6, cytochrome f and
plastocyanin. When the electron is transported between plastoquinone and
cytochrome f, ADP is phosphorylated to ATP.
The ‘hole’ in the PS I has been filled by the electron from PS II. Then
+
the electrons are transferred from PS I to NADP for reduction. Therefore,
this electron transport is called noncyclic electron transport and the
accompanying phosphorylation as noncyclic photophosphorylation. The
noncyclic electron transport takes place in the form of ‘Z’. Hence, it is
also called Z-scheme.
178
179
Fig. 5.8. Non-cyclic photophosphorylation

Cyclic photophosphorylation
Under the conditions of (i) PS I only remains active (ii) photolysis of
water does not take place (iii) requirement of ATP is more and (iv)
nonavailability of NADP+ the
cyclic photophosphorylation takes
place. When the molecule in the
PS I is excited, the electrons are
released. The electrons are
captured by ferredoxin through
ferredoxin reducing substrate
(FRS). Due to non-availability of
NADP+, electrons from
ferredoxin fall back to the
molecules of PS I through the
electron carriers - cytochrome b6,
cytochrome f and plastocyanin.
These electron carriers facilitate
the down hill transport of
electrons from FRS to PS I.
During this transport of electrons,
two phosphorylations take place
- one between ferredoxin and
cytochrome b 6 and the other
between cytochrome b 6 and
cytochrome f. Thus, two ATP
molecules are produced in this
cycle.
Dark reactions
Fig. 5.9 Cyclic photophosphorylation The reactions that catalyze
the reduction of CO 2 to
carbohydrates with the help of the ATP and NADPH2 generated by the
light reactions are called the dark reactions. The enzymatic reduction of
CO2 by these reactions is also known as carbon fixation. These reactions
that result in CO2 fixation take place in a cyclic way and were discovered
by Melvin Calvin. Hence, the cycle is called Calvin cycle. Fixation of
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Difference between cyclic and noncyclic electron transport and
photophosphorylation
Cyclic photophosphorylation Noncyclic photophosphorylation
1. It is associated with PS I 1. It is associated with both PS I and
PS II.
2. The electron expelled from 2. The electrons are not cycled back
chlorophyll molecule is cycled but compensated by the electrons
back from photolysis of water.
3. Photolysis of water and 3. Photolysis of water and
evolution of oxygen do not take evolution of oxygen take place.
place.
4. Photophosphorylation takes 4. Photophosphorylation takes place
place at two places. only at one place.
5. NADP is not reduced. 5. NADP+ is reduced to NADPH2.
carbondioxide in plants during photosynthesis occurs in three stages –
fixation, reduction and regeneration of RuBP.
Fixation
The acceptor molecule of CO2 is a 5C compound called ribulose-1,5-
bisphosphate (RuBP). Fixation of a molecule of CO2 to RuBP is catalyzed
by the enzyme RuBP carboxylase. The resulting 6C compound is highly
unstable and gets cleaved to form two molecules of 3C compounds called
phosphoglyceric acid (PGA).
Reduction
The two molecules of PGA are further reduced to glyceraldehyde-3-
phosphates in two steps. First, two PGA molecules are converted to 1,3 -
bisphosphoglyceric acids by the enzyme PGA kinase. This reaction
consumes two molecules of ATP in the ratio of one ATP for each molecule
of 1,3-bisphosphoglyceric acid formed.
In the second step, the two molecules of 1,3-bisphosphoglyceric acid
are reduced to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphates by the enzyme glyceraldehyde-
3-phosphate dehydrogenase with the help of the light generated reducing
181
Fig. 5.10 Calvin cycle
182
power NADPH2. So, two molecules of NADPH2 will be consumed
during this reaction. To reduce one molecule of CO2 upto reduction two
ATP and two NADPH2 are consumed.
Regeneration of RuBP
The glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate molecules are converted to RuBP
through a series of reactions, which generate 4C, 6C and 7C phosphorylated
compounds as intermediates. For better and easy understanding of these
reactions, a simplified scheme of Calvin cycle considering three CO2
molecules fixation reactions is shown below.
The reactions of regeneration of RuBP are as follows.
1. Some of the Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate molecules are converted to
dihydroxy acetone phosphates.
2. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate combines with dihydroxy acetone
phosphate to form fructose1,6-bisphosphate.
3. Fructose 1,6-bisphosphate undergoes dephosphorylation to form
fructose 6-phosphate.
4. Fructose 6-phosphate combines with glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate
obtained from the fixation of second molecule of CO2 to form Ribose
5-phosphate (R5P) and Erythrose 4-phosphate (Er4P).
5. Erythrose 4-phosphate combines with DHAP obtained from the second
CO2 fixation, to form sedoheptulose 1,7-bisphosphate.
6. Sedoheptulose 1,7-bisphosphate undergoes dephosphorylation to form
sedoheptulose 7-phosphate.
7. Sedoheptulose 7-phosphate combines with glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate
obtained by the third CO2 fixation, to form two molecules of 5C
compounds – ribose 5-phosphate and xylulose 5-phosphate (Xy5P).
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8. Ribose 5-phosphate and xylulose 5-phosphate molecules are
transformed to ribulose 5-phosphate (Ru5P).
9. Ru5P molecules are then phosphorylated by ATP to form RuBP
molecules, which again enter into the cycle of CO2 fixation.
In the above illustration, three CO2 molecules are fixed and the net
gain is a 3C called DHAP. These triose phosphate molecules combine to
form hexose phosphates, which are used to form sucrose. For every
carbon fixation 3ATP and 2 NADPH2 are consumed.
5.2.6. C3 and C4 pathways
It was once thought that all green plants fix CO2 through Calvin cycle
only. Now, we know that certain plants fix CO2 in a different photosynthetic
mechanism called C4 pathway. In this chapter, we will know more about
this. Hatch and Slack observed that 4C compounds such as oxaloaceticacid,
malate and aspartate were the first formed compounds, when the leaves of
sugarcane were exposed to 14CO2 for one second. So, sugarcane is an
example for C4 plant. When the leaves of rice plant are exposed to 14CO2,
3C compound called phosphoglyceric acid is formed. So, rice plant is an
example for C3 plant.
In C3 plants, photosynthesis occurs only in mesophyll cells. We already
learnt that photosynthesis has two types of reactions – light reactions and
dark reactions (Calvin cycle). In light reactions ATP and NADPH2 are
produced and oxygen is released as a byproduct. CO2 is reduced to
carbohydrates by dark reactions. In C3 plants both light reactions and
dark reactions occur in mesophyll cells, whereas in C4 plants, the mechanism
of photosynthesis requires two types of photosynthetic cells – mesophyll
cells and bundle sheath cells. The C4 plants contain dimorphic chloroplasts
i.e. chloroplasts in mesophyll cells are granal (with grana) whereas in
bundle sheath chloroplasts are agranal (without grana). The presence of
two types of cells leads to segregation of photosynthetic work i.e. light
reactions and dark reactions separately.
184
Fig.5.11 Hatch-Slack pathway of CO2 fixation
(PEP = Phosphoenol pyruvic acid, OAA = Oxalo acetic acid)
Hatch-Slack pathway involves two carboxylation reactions. One takes

place in chloroplasts of mesophyll cells and another in chloroplasts of
bundle sheath cells.
1. The first step involves the carboxylation of phosphoenol pyruvic
acid in the chloroplasts of mesophyll cells to form a 4C compound,
oxaloacetic acid. This reaction is catalysed by the enzyme phosphoenol
pyruvate carboxylase
Phosphoric acid
2. Oxaloacetic acid is converted into aspartic acid by the enzyme

transaminase or it may be reduced to malic acid by NADP+ specific
malate dehydrogenase.
Transaminase
185
3. Malic acid or aspartic acid formed in chloroplast of mesophyll
cells is transferred to the chloroplasts of bundle sheath where it is
decarboxylated to form CO2 and pyruvic acid in the presence of
NADP+specific malic enzyme.
4. Now, second carboxylation occurs in chloroplasts of bundle sheath

cells. Ribulose bisphosphate accepts CO2 produced in step (3) in the
presence of RuBP carboxylase and yields 3-phosphoglyceric acid. Some
of the 3-phosphoglyceric acid molecules are utilised to produce sucrose
and starch, while remaining PGA molecules are used for the regeneration
of RuBP.
5. The pyruvic acid produced in step (3) is transferred to the chloroplasts

of mesophyll cells where it is phosphorylated to regenerate
phosphoenolpyruvic acid . This reaction is catalysed by pyruvate kinase
in the presence of Mg 2+.
Adenylate kinase
The AMP is phosphorylated by ATP in the presence of adenylate

kinase to form 2 molecules of ADP.
C4 plants are photosynthetically more efficient than C3 plants, because
the net requirement of ATP and NADPH2 for the fixation of one molecule
of CO2 is considerably lower in C4 plants than in C3 plants.
186
Difference between C3 and C4 photosynthetic pathways
C3 pathway C4 pathway
1. Photosynthesis occurs in meso - Photosynthesis occurs in meso -
phyll cells. phyll and bundle sheath cells.
2. The CO2 molecule acceptor is The CO2 acceptor molecule is
RuBP. phosphoenol pyruvate.
3. The first stable product is a 3C The first stable product is a 4C
compound called 3 – PGA. compound called OAA.
4. Photorespiration rate is high Photorespiration is negligible
and leads to loss of fixed CO2. and it is almost absent. Hence,
It decreases CO2 fixation rate. it increases CO2 fixation rate.
5. Optimum temperature is 20 to Optimum temperature is 30 to
25°C. 45°C.
6. Examples of C3 plants are rice, Examples of C4 plants are maize,
wheat and potato. sugarcane,Tribulus and
Amaranthus
5.2.7 Photorespiration or C2 cycle

In animals and bacteria, only one kind of respiration known as dark
respiration occurs. This is not affected by the presence or absence of light.
But in certain green plants, there are two distinct types of respiration –
photorespiration and dark respiration. Respiration that occurs in
photosynthetic tissues in the presence of light and results in increased rate
of carbondioxide evolution is called photorespiration or light respiration.
Photorespiration involves three organelles – chloroplasts, peroxisomes
and mitochondria. Oxidation of RuBP in the presence of high oxygen
is the first reaction of photorespiration. This reaction is catalysed by
Rubisco* enzyme called carboxylase. It leads to the formation of 2C
compound – phosphoglycolic acid and 3C compound PGA. When PGA
is used up in the Calvin cycle, the phosphoglycolic acid is dephosphorylated
to form glycolic acid in the chloroplasts.
From the chloroplast, the glycolic acid diffuses into the peroxisome
where it is oxidised to glyoxalic acid and hydrogen peroxide. In peroxisome
from glyoxalic acid, glycine is formed.
Note : * Rubisco = Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase
187
Fig.5.12 Photorespiratory pathway
188
Glycine molecules enter into mitochondria where two molecules of
glycine combine to give a molecule of serine, NH3 and CO2. During this
process, NAD+ is reduced to NADH2.
The aminoacid serine is taken to peroxisome where, it is converted
into hydroxy pyruvic acid. Hydroxy pyruvic acid is reduced by NADH2
to form glyceric acid.
The glyceric acid leaves peroxisome and enters chloroplast, where it
is phosphorylated to PGA, which enters into Calvin cycle. During the
photorespiratory pathway, one CO2 molecule released in mitochondria is
to be re-fixed.
Photorespiration is also known as photosynthetic carbon oxidation
cycle or C2 cycle. Under the conditions of high light and limited CO2
supply, photorespiration protects the plants from photooxidative damage.
This means that, if enough CO2 is not available to utilize light energy,
excess energy causes damage to plant. However, photorespiration utilizes
part of the light energy and saves the plant from photooxidative damage.
Increased O2 level increases photorespiration whereas increased CO2 level
decreases photorespiration and increases photosynthesis.
Difference between photorespiration and dark respiration
Photorespiration Dark respiration
1. It takes place only in photo - It takes place in all living cells in the
synthetic cells in the presence mitochondria.
of light.
2. It is light dependent It takes place in the presence and
in the absence of light.
3. It is the function of chloroplast, It is the function of mitochondria
peroxisomes and mitochondria. alone.
5.2.8. Factors affecting photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors.
The environmental factors include light, availability of CO2, temperature,
soil, water and nutrient supply apart from age of leaf, leaf angle and leaf
189
orientation. Photosynthesis is not affected by all environmental factors at a
given time.
According to Blackmann who postulated Law of Limiting factor in
1905, photosynthesis is limited by slowest step of the most limiting factor
in the pathway. This means that at a given time, only the factor that is
most limiting among all will determine the rate of photosynthesis. For
example, if CO2 is available in plenty but light is limiting due to cloudy
weather, the rate of photosynthesis under such situation is controlled by
the light. Further, if both CO2 and light are limiting, then the factor which
is the most limiting of the two will control the rate of photosynthesis.
Both quality and intensity of light influence photosynthesis. Light
between the wavelength of 400nm to 700nm is most effective for
photosynthesis and this light is called photosynthetically active radiation.
As the intensity of light increases the rate of photosynthesis increases.
However, if the light intensifies, the rate of photosynthesis decreases.
This is because of higher intensity of light destruction of chlorophyll occurs.
Photochemical reactions and dark reactions of photosynthesis respond
differently to temperature. Photochemical reactions in the thylakoid remain
unharmed by temperature, whereas the enzymatic dark reactions get
influenced adversely. At higher temperature, the enzymes become inactive.
Low temperature also inactivates the enzymes.
The current level of CO2 is about 0.036 per cent or 360 ppm (parts
per million), which is very low as compared to the concentration of other
gases in the atmosphere such as O2 and N2. The rate of photosynthesis in
all plants increases with increase in the concentration of CO2 upto 500
ppm, when other factors are not limiting.
Availability of water in soil has a prominent effect on photosynthesis.
If the soil water becomes limiting factor, the rate of photosynthesis declines.
Among various nutrients, nitrogen has a direct relationship with
photosynthesis. Since, nitrogen is a basic constituent of chlorophyll and all
enzymes involved in dark reactions, any reduction in nitrogen supply to
plants has an adverse effect on photosynthesis. In general all essential
elements affect the rate of photosynthesis.
190
Among leaf factors, such as leaf age, leaf angle and leaf orientation,
leaf age has the most prominent effect on photosynthesis. If leaf undergoes,
senescence, loss of chlorophyll occurs. The photosynthetic enzymes also
get inactivated resulting in reduced rate of photosynthesis.
EXPERIMENTS ON PHOTOSYNTHESIS
Test tube and funnel experiment
The test tube funnel experiment demonstrates that oxygen is evolved
during photosynthesis. A few branches of Hydrilla are kept in a beaker
containing pond water in which a small amount of sodium bicarbonate is
dissolved. The branches are covered with a glass funnel and a test tube
full of water is kept inverted over the
Test tube stem of the funnel as shown in the figure.
Oxygen Now the apparatus is kept in
bubble sunlight for 4 to 6 hours. The gas
Beaker bubbles may be observed from the ends
of hydrilla branches kept within the glass
funnel. These gas bubbles are collected
Water
in the test tube by the downward
displacement of water. The gas is tested
Funnel for oxygen. When a burnt splinter is
Hydrilla taken near the mouth of the tube, it
glows brightly and proves that the gas
Fig. 5.13 Test tube funnel is oxygen.The test tube and funnel
experiment demonstrates that oxygen
experiment
evolves during photosynthesis.
Ganong’s light screen experiment
Ganong’s light screen experiment demonstrates that light is essential
for photosynthesis. When a pot plant is kept for 48 hours in dark room, the
leaves become free from starch. Thus dark treated plant is called destarched
plant. Ganong’s light screen is a clip like instrument with a tin foil disc
having a star shaped opening through which light can enter. This closes
the lower hollow cylindrical box like structure. The advantage of light
screen is to allow free ventilation and at the same time it cuts off light. The
light screen is fixed to a leaf of the destarched potted plant as shown in the
figure. The entire experimental setup is placed in sunlight for 4 to 6 hours.
191
The leaf subjected for experiment is
tested for starch. Only the star shaped part
of the leaf exposed to the sunlight turns
blue. The Ganong’s light screen
experiment demonstrates that light is
essential for photosynthesis.
5.2.9. Mode of nutrition
Autotrophic nutrition
Most of the green plants are self-
dependent, because they synthesize their
own food materials by photosynthesis.
Such a mode of nutrition is described as
Fig. 5.14 Ganong’s autotrophic. Autotrophic plants are of
light screen experiment. different types according to their ecological
environments. Different environments cause differences in their
morphology. Thus, we find special adaptations in aquatic plants, terrestrial
plants, xerophytes, mangrove plants etc. Among the autotrophic plants,
epiphytes are peculiar. These plants usually grow on the branches of the
trees. Epiphytic plants are not parasitic on these trees, but they only make
use of the place to grow. They have two types of roots – clinging roots
and aerial roots. Clinging roots fix the epiphytes to the bark of the tree
and also absorb the little nutrients found in the debris accumulating on the
bark. The aerial roots hang about in the air. These roots are usually
green and covered by a spongy tissue called velamen which absorbs the
moisture in the air as well as rain water. eg. Vanda.
Heterotrophic nutrition
Due to lack of chlorophyll or nitrogen defeciency, some plants have
to depend on other plants, insects or dead organic matter for their food.
Such type of nutrition is known as heterotrophic. Heterotrophic plants
are grouped into saprophytic, parasitic and insectivorous plants.
Saprophytic plants
These plants obtain nutrition from non-living organic matter. They
are called saprophytic plants. Many fungi and bacteria are saprophytes.
192
Host
stem
Aerial root
Plant
Parasite
Clinging root
Humus
Epiphyte Saprophyte Total parasite

eg. Vanda eg. Monotropa eg. Cuscuta
Tentacle
Parasite
Haustorium
Host stem
Partial parasite Insectivorous plant

eg. Viscum eg. Drosera
Fig.5.15 Modes of nutrition
193
Certain angiosperms like Monotropa lack chlorophyll and have mycorrhizal
roots. This plant absorbs nourishments from the humus through their
mycorrhizal roots.
Parasitic plants
Some plants get their nourishments from other living plants or
animals. They are called parasitic plants. The plants or animals from
which the parasites get their nourishments are called hosts. Parasites have
some special roots, which penetrate the host plants and absorb food from
the phloem and water and minerals from xylem. These roots are called
haustoria.
Parasitic angiosperms are of two types. They are total parasites and
partial parasites. Some plants completely lack chlorophyll and do not
grow in the soil. Therefore, it is totally dependent on the host stem for
organic food materials, water and minerals. They are called total parasites.
eg. Cuscuta. Cuscuta has thin, pale yellow and leafless stem. It twines
around the stem of the host and sends haustoria into it to absorb
nourishments.
Some plants absorb only water and mineral salts from the stem of
host plant. They can manufacture their own food due to the presence of
green leaves. The haustoria of these plants have connection only with the
xylem of the host to absorb water and mineral salts. These plants are
called partial parasites. eg. Viscum.
Insectivorous plants
Though insectivorous plants are capable of manufacturing carbohydrates
by photosynthesis, they are not able to synthesize enough proteins due to
the deficiency of nitrogen. They overcome this deficiency by catching
small insects and digesting them. Their leaves are modified in various
ways for this purpose. Such plants are called insectivorous plants.
Eg. Drosera.
Drosera
Drosera is a small plant growing in marshy places. This plant is also
known as sundew plant. The leaves of this plant have numerous hair-like
structures called tentacles. Each tentacle has got a gland at the tip. The
gland secretes a sticky fluid. This fluid shines in sunlight and appears as
dew; hence the plant is called sundew plant.
194
When an insect is attracted by the shining sticky fluid and tries to sit
on the leaf, it is entangled in the sticky fluid. At once, the sensitive
tentacles surround the insect and curve inward on it. Then the glands
secrete digestive juices which contain proteolytic enzymes. The enzymes
digest the proteins of the insect body. The digested food is finally absorbed
by the leaves and the tentacles again come in their original straight position.
5.2.10. Chemosynthesis
Chemosynthesis is a process by which certain organisms synthesize
carbohydrates by using energy obtained by the oxidation of inorganic
substances. Most of the bacteria obtain their food materials from external
sources and they cannot synthesize their food by themselves. These are
called heterotrophic organisms. Whereas, some bacteria are capable of
synthesizing their food either by photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.
Organisms which use sunlight energy for synthesis of food materials
are called photosynthetic organisms or photoautotrophs. Those organisms
which use chemical energy for the synthesis of carbon compounds are
called chemosynthetic organisms. There are two groups of chemosynthetic
organisms namely, chemosynthetic autotrophs and chemosynthetic
heterotrophs.
Chemosynthetic autotrophs
Examples for chemosynthetic autotrophs are Nitrosomonas, Beggiatoa.
Nitrosomonas oxidizes ammonia into nitrite. The energy liberated during
this process is used for the synthesis of carbohydrates.
Beggiatoa oxidises H2S to sulphur and water. During this, energy is

released and used for its growth. Sulphur is stored as granules inside cell.
+ Energy
Chemosynthetic heterotrophs
Examples for chemosynthetic heterotrophs are fungi, most bacteria,
animals and man. These organisms cannot prepare their food materials,
hence they are heterotrophs. They obtain the energy for growth by chemi-
cal reactions ie. by oxidizing the organic compounds. For example, en-
ergy is released when glucose is oxidised in the process of respiration.
Thus, these organisms are chemosynthetic heterotrophs.
195
Self evaluation
1. Photosynthesis takes place in
a. mitochondria b. peroxisomes
c. chloroplasts d. ribosomes
2. During cyclic electron transport, which one of the following is
pro duced
a. NADPH2 only b. ATP only
c. NADH2 only d. both ATP and NADPH2
3. Which one of the following is a five carbon compound?
a. fructose b. erythrose
c. ribose d. DHAP
4. Which one of the following is a C4 plant?
a. rice b. wheat
c. sugarcane d. potato
5. The essential component for the formation of chlorophyll
a. Mg b. Fe
c. Cl d. Mn
6. The pigment which is highly efficient in absorbing solar energy
is
a. phycobilins b. chlorophyll
c. carotinoids d. xanthophyll
7. Which of the following bacterium oxidizes ammonia to nitrate
a. Nitrosomonas b. Rhizobium
c. Closteridium d. E. coli
8. Which of the following is a total parasite
a. Cuscuta b. Viscum
c. Drosera d. Monotropa
9. Which of the following wavelengths of light is most effective for
photosynthesis
a. 100 nm to 200 nm b. 200 nm to 300 nm
c. 400 nm to 700 nm d. 700 nm to 900 nm
10. Dark respiration is the function of
a. peroxisomes b. mitochondria
c. chloroplast d. ribosomes
196
11. The gas evolved during photosynthesis is
a. carbondioxide b. nitrogen
c. hydrogen d. oxygen
12. Dark reaction is also known as
a. Krebs cycle b. Calvin cycle
c. pentosephosphate pathway d. photorespiration
13. C4 pathway is otherwise known as
a. EMP pathway b. Hatch-Slack pathway
c. photorespiration d. electron transport chain
14. Photorespiration is otherwise called as
a. C2 cycle b. C3 cycle
c. C4 cycle d. C5 cycle
15. An example for insectivorous plant is
a. Drosera b. Viscum
c. Monotropa d. Vanda
16. Which of the following is regarded as primary pigment?
a. Carotenoid b. Xanthophyll
c. Chlorophyll ‘a’ d. Chlorophyll ‘b’
17. The dark reactions of photosynthesis were discovered by
a. Embden and Meyer b. Melvin Calvin
c. Krebs d. Parnas
18. Which of the following is a 5C compound?
a. Glucose b. Fructose
c. Phosphoglyceric acid d. RuBP
19. In C3 plants light reactions and dark reactions occur in
a. bundle sheath cells b. mesophyll cells
c. epidermal cells d. vascular cells
20. In C3 pathway acceptor molecule of CO2 is
a. Phosphoenol pyruvate b. RuBP
c. PGA d. DHAP
21. Which of the following is not a C4 plant?
a. Maize b. Tribulus
c. Amaranthus d. Wheat
197
22. Vanda plant is a/an ----
a. total parasite b. partial parasite
c. epiphyte d. saprophyte
23. The reducing power produced in the light reaction is
a. NADP b. ATP
c. ADP d. NADPH2
24. Which of the following is not accessory pigments?
a. Phycobilins b. Chlorophylls
c. Carotenoids d. Xanthophylls
25. The photosynthetic pigments are located in
a. Cristae b. Cisternae
c. Thylakoid d. Stroma

26. What are generally called accessory pigments?
27. What is photolysis of water?
28. Define light reaction.
29. Define dark reaction.
30. State the conditions underwhich cyclic photophosphorylation occurs.
31. Write the overall equation of photosynthesis.
32. Why are chloroplasts in C4 plants called dimorphic chloroplasts?
33. Define photorespiration.
34. Write any two differences between photorespiration and dark
respiration.
35. What are called total parasites?
36. Define chemosynthesis.
37. Write short notes on site of photosynthesis.
38. Write short notes on photosynthetic electron transport system.
39. What are the differences between C3 and C4 pathway?
198
40. Explain the test tube and funnel experiment to demonstrate that oxygen
is evolved during photosynthesis.
41. Write short notes on Ganong’s light screen experiment.
42. Write short notes on insectivorous plant.
43. Explain the process of chemosynthesis.
44. Bring out the significance of photosynthesis.
45. Describe the structure of chloroplast.
46. Describe the light reactions of photosynthesis (or) Explain cyclic and
noncyclic photophosphorylation.
47. Write an account on dark reactions of photosynthesis.
48. Write an essay on C4 pathway.
49. Write an essay on photorespiration or C2 cycle.
50. Write an account on the factors affecting photosynthesis.
51. Describe different modes of nutrition in angiosperms.
199
5.3. Respiration
In the previous chapter, you have learnt that light energy is converted
into chemical energy and stored in complex organic molecules called
carbohydrates – glucose and starch. The breaking of C – C bonds of such
compounds through oxidation releases a considerable amount of energy.
This energy is utilized for various metabolic activities at cellular level.
This phenomenon of release of energy by oxidation of various organic
molecules is known as respiration. The compounds that are oxidised
during this process are known as respiratory substrates. Carbohydrate is
the common respiratory substrate. During respiration, the whole energy
contained in the respiratory substrate is not released all at once. In
respiration, oxygen is utilized and carbondioxide, water and energy are
released. Respiration is an exothermic reaction and the oxidation of glucose
is given in the following equation.
The energy released during this process is transformed into usable

form of energy as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP molecules act as
carriers of free energy between energy yielding and energy requiring
reactions of the cell. Thus, ATP is described as energy currency of the
cell. It is a nucloetide consisting of adenine, ribose sugar and three phosphate
groups. It is an energy rich compound and contains two high energy
terminal bonds. A large amount of free energy is liberated, when these
bonds are broken by hydrolysis.
Adenine
P P P
Ribose
High energy bonds
Fig. 5.12 Structure of ATP

200
201
Fig. 5.17 Overall scheme of respiration

5.3.1. Mechanism of respiration
Oxidation of glucose involves following four distinct stages –
glycolysis, oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvic acid, Krebs cycle and
Electron transport chain. In the first three stages, the hydrogen acceptor
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide – oxidized form (NAD+) and Flavin
adenine dinucleotide – oxidized form (FAD+) are reduced to NADH2 and
FADH2 respectively. Both the coenzymes, (NAD+) and (FAD+) act as
hydrogen carriers from respiratory substrate to electron transport chain,
where H+ and electrons are transferred to oxygen to form water. This
electron transport results in the release of energy, which is used to
phosphorylate ADP to ATP. Hence, the electron transport chain reactions
are referred to as oxidative phosphorylation.
5.3.2. Glycolysis
The process by which the glucose (6C compound) is split into two
molecules of pyruvic acid (3C compound) is called glycolysis. Three
German Microbiologists – Embden, Meyerhof and Parnas, first
demonstrated this process in yeast cell. Hence, it is otherwise known as
EMP pathway. It occurs in cytoplasm. It is common in all organisms. It is
divided into two phases – hexose phase and triose phase. Glyceraldehyde
3-phosphate and DHAP are the products of hexose phase and two molecules
of pyruvic acid are the products of triose phase. The overall reaction of
glycolysis is given in the following equation.
2ATP 2ADP
Reactions involved in glycolysis are as follows
1. The glucose is phosphorylated with ATP to form glucose-6-
phosphate. The reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme hexokinase.
2. Glucose-6-phosphate is isomerized to form fructose-6-phosphate
by phosphoglucoisomerase.
3. Fructose-6-phosphate is then phosphorylated using ATP to form
fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. This reaction is catalyzed by
phosphofructokinase. The ATP is dephosphorylated to ADP.
4. Fructose 1,6-bisphosphate is cleaved by the enzyme aldolase to
two molecules of 3C compounds – dihydroxy acetone phosphate (DHAP)
and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate. These two trioses are isomers.
202
Fig. 5.18 Process of Glycolysis
203
5. DHAP and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate are interconvertible by the
action of triose phosphate isomerase. These five series of reaction constitute
hexose phase and produce two molecules of 3-carbon compound called 3-
phosphoglyceraldehyde. In hexose phase two ATP molecules are consumed.
6. A molecule of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate is phosphorylated and
oxidized to 1,3-bisphosphoglyceric acid in the presence of glyceraldehyde-
3-phosphate dehydrogenase. During this reaction, one NADH2 is formed.
7. 1,3-bisphosphoglyceric acid is dephosphorylated to a molecule of
3-phosphoglyceric acid by phosphoglyceric kinase. During this reaction
one ATP is formed. This type of ATP synthesis is called direct
phosphorylation or substrate level phosphorylation.
8. A molecule of 3-phosphoglyceric acid is then converted into a
molecule of 2-phosphoglyceric acid by phosphoglyceric mutase. In this
reaction, phosphate molecule is shifted form third carbon to second carbon.
9. A molecule of 2-phosphoglyceric acid is dehydrated to a molecule
of 2-phosphoenol pyruvic acid by enolase. Removal of water molecule
from the substrate is called enolation.
10. A molecule of 2-phosphoenol pyruvic acid is dephosphorylated
to pyruvic acid and ADP is phosphorylated to ATP. This reaction is
catalyzed by pyruvic kinase. Thus, in the triose phase, two molecules of a
molecule of 3-phospho glyceraldehyde produce 2 molecules of pyruvic
acid.
In glycolysis, 4ATP and 2NADH2 molecules are formed and 2ATP
molecules are consumed in hexose phase. Hence, the net gain is 2ATP
and 2NADH2.
Oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvic acid
The two molecules of pyruvic acid formed from a glucose molecule
move into mitochondria and are oxidized, decarboxylated to two molecules
of acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl Co~A). These 2 carbon compounds are
formed by
Pyruvic dehydrogenase
204
decarboxylation and dehydrogenation. This reaction is catalyzed by pyruvic
dehydrogenase and two molecules of NAD+ are reduced to NADH2.
During this reaction two molecules of CO2 are released. Oxidative
decarboxylation of pyruvic acid occurs only under aerobic condition. Under
anaerobic conditions, the pyruvic acid is reduced either to lactic acid or
ethyl alcohol depending on the nature of the organism.
5.3.3 Krebs cycle
In 1937, Sir Hans Adolf Krebs described the catalytic role of pyruvic
acid for the production of energy in the cell. The series of cyclic reactions
involved in converting pyruvic acid to carbondioxide and water in
mitochondria is called Krebs cycle. It is also known as citric acid cycle or
tricarboxylic acid cycle – TCA cycle.
1. In the first reaction of citric acid cycle, one molecule of acetyl
Co~A combines with oxaloacetic acid to form citric acid. This reaction is
catalyzed by citric acid synthetase. Citric acid contains three carboxylic
acid groups.
2. Citric acid is dehydrated to form cis-aconitic acid in the presence
of aconitase
3. The same enzyme aconitase catalyzes the formation of isocitric
acid from cis-aconitic acid by the addition of a molecule of water. Citric
acid, cis-aconitic acid and isocitric acid contain three carboxylic acid groups.
4. The isocitric acid is oxidatively decarboxylated to α- ketoglutaric
acid. This reaction is catalyzed by isocitric dehydrogenase. During this
reaction, one NADH2 is formed.
5. The α- ketoglutaric acid is oxidatively decarboxylated to form
succinyl Co~A. This reaction is catalyzed by α-ketoglutaric
dehydrogenase. The energy released during this reaction is conserved in
NADH2.
6. The succinyl Co~A is hydrolysed to succinic acid in the presence
of succinyl Co-A synthetase. In this reaction, ADP is phosphorylated to
ATP. This is called substrate level phosphorylation.
7. The succinic acid is oxidized to form fumaric acid by succinic
dehydrogenase. Here, FAD+ is reduced to FADH2.
8. The fumaric acid is converted to malic acid by the addition of a
molecule of water. This reaction is catalyzed by fumarase.
205
Fig. 5.19 Krebs cycle
206
9. The malic acid is oxidized to oxaloacetic acid by the enzyme malic
dehydrogenase. Here, NAD+ is reduced to NADH2.
Significance of Krebs cycle
2 molecules of acetyl CoA enter into Krebs cycle which on subsequent
oxidation generate 6NADH2, 2FADH2.. When 6NADH2, 2FADH2 enter
into the electron transport system generate 22ATP molecules. In one step,
there is substrate level phosphorylation whch directly yield 2ATP molecules.
So, during Krebs cycle, every 2 molecules of acetyl CoA enter into Krebs
cycle 24 ATP molecules are generated. So, primarily it is a energy
producing system. Since, Krebs cycle involves with both anabolic and
catabolic processes, it is also described as amphibolic process.
Electron transport chain
Electron transport system (ETS) is a chain of electron carriers consisting
of NAD+, FAD+, CoQ and cytochromes (cyt. b, cyt. c, cyt. a and cyt.
a3). The glucose molecule is completely oxidized by the end of the citric
acid cycle. But, energy is not released, unless NADH2 and FADH2 are
oxidized through electron transport system. Transfer of electrons and
protons from NADH2 and FADH2 to oxygen through a series of components
like flavoprotein, cytochrome is called electron transport chain. This
process leads to coupling of electrons to form high-energy phosphate
bonds in the form of ATP from ADP is called oxidative phosphorylation.
The electron transport components are arranged in the inner membrane of
mitochondria.
According to modern concept, the electron carriers in the electron
transport system are arranged in four complexes – complex I, complex II,
complex III and complex IV. When NAD+ is a primary acceptor of
electrons, the electrons are transported from complex I to II, II to III and
then to complex IV. When electrons are transported from one complex to
next complex, an ATP is produced. Thus, one molecule of NADH2
generates three ATPs. When FAD+ is a primary acceptor of electrons,
the electrons are transported from complex II to III and then to complex
IV. Thus, one molecule of FADH2 generates two ATPs.
The molecular oxygen forms the terminal constituent of the electron
transport system. It is the ultimate recipient of electrons and picks up the
protons from the substrate to form water.
207
Fig. 5.20 Electron transport system
Energy yield
Complete oxidation of one glucose molecule yields a net gain of 38ATP.
Out of 38ATP molecules, 4ATP are obtained by direct substrate level
phosphorylation, 30ATP through oxidation of NADH2 and 4ATP through
oxidation of FADH2. Since, a large number of ATP molecules are produced
in the mitochondria, they are called the ‘power houses of the cell’.
Table showing details of ATP production in aerobic respiration
Sl. Number of molecules of Total number
Stages of respiration of ATP
No. ATP NADH2 FADH2 obtained
1. Glycolysis 2 2 – 8
2. Oxidative decarboxylation
of pyruvic acid – 2 – 6
3. Krebs cycle 2 6 2 24
Total 4 30 ATP 4 ATP 38
Demonstration of respiration by Ganong’s respiroscope

The aim of this experiment is to demonstrate liberation of carbon
dioxide during respiration. The respiroscope is a glass apparatus consisting
of a bulb like part with a bent neck and vertical tube. Germinating seeds
are taken in the bulb and the mouth of the tube is kept immersed in the
beaker containing KOH solution as shown in the figure. The respiroscope
208
is fixed in the vertical position with the help of a stand. Thus, the enclosed
air in the bulb is completely cut off from the atmosphere. The apparatus is
kept undisturbed for few hours.
It is observed that the level of
KOH solution in the limb is raised.
The KOH solution absorbs
carbondioxide released by the
seeds and a vacuum is created. It
results in the raise of KOH level.
Germinating
seeds 5.3.4. Pentose phosphate pathway
Generally, majority of living
KOH organisms obtain energy for
various biochemical activities from
glucose. In aerobic organisms, it
is degraded in three major phases
namely, glycolysis, Krebs cycle
and electron transport system. In
anaerobes, glucose is partially
Fig.5.21 Ganong’s respiroscope degraded by glycolysis and
fermentation. In 1938, Dickens discovered an alternate pathway for the
utilization of glucose by the living cells. This pathway is called pentose
phosphate pathway or hexose monophosphate pathway or direct
oxidation pathway. This pathway consists of major phases - oxidative
and nonoxidative phases. Pentose phosphate pathway takes place in the
cytoplasm only.
Oxidative phase
In this phase, glucose is oxidized and decarboxylated with the formation
of pentose through phosphogluconic acid as shown in the flow chart. The
essential feature of this phase is the production of NADPH2.
1. Glucose is phosphorylated to glucose-6-phosphate by hexokinase.
2. The glucose-6-phosphate is oxidized to 6-phospho-gluconolactonate
in the presence of NADP+ by enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.
NADP+ is reduced to NADPH2.
209
Fig. 5.22 Pentose phosphate pathway
3. The 6-phosphogluconolactone is hydrolysed by gluconolactonase
to form 6-phosphogluconic acid.
4. The 6-phosphogluconic acid undergoes oxidative decarboxylation
again in the presence of NADP+ to form Ru5P. This reaction is catalyzed
by 6-phosphogluconic dehydrogenase. NADP+ is reduced to NADPH2.
In this reaction CO2 is released.
210
Nonoxidative phase
In this phase, various intermediates such as 3C, 4C, 5C and 7-carbon
phosphorylated sugars are produced. They are phosphoglyceraldehyde
(3C), erythrose phosphate (4C), xylulose phosphate (5C) and sedoheptulose
phosphate (7C).
To summarize, six molecules of glucophosphate enter this pathway.
After oxidation, six molecules of CO2 are released as shown in the step 4
and twelve molecules of NADPH2 are produced as shown in the steps 2
and 4. In other words, after oxidation one molecule of glucose produces
six molecules of CO2 and twelve molecules of NADPH2. Out of six glucose
molecules one is completely oxidized and other five molecules are involved
in the formation of 3C, 4C, 5C, and 7- carbon sugar intermediates. From
these intermediates, five molecules of glucose-6-phosphate are regenerated.
Significance of pentose phosphate pathway
It provides alternative route for carbohydrate breakdown.
It generates NADPH2 molecules which are used as reductants in
biosynthetic processes. Production of NADPH2 is not linked to ATP
generation in pentose phosphate pathway.
It provides ribose sugar for the synthesis of nucleic acids.
It provides erythrose phosphate required for the synthesis of aromatic
compounds.
It plays an important role in fixation of CO2 in photosynthesis through
Ru5P.
5.3.5. Anaerobic respiration
Anaerobiosis means life in the absence of oxygen. Certain organisms
can survive in the absence of oxygen. The respiration which takes place in
the absence of free oxygen molecules is called anaerobic respiration. It
occurs in yeast and some bacteria. Hence, they are known as anaerobes.
Glycolysis alone occurs in these organisms. The splitting of glucose into
two molecules of pyruvic acid is given in the following equation.
Glucose Pyruvic acid

211
In anaerobic respiration, the respiratory substrate is not completely
oxidized to release energy. Glucose is split into two molecules of pyruvic
acid. The pyruvic acid is further converted into either ethanol or organic
acids like lactic acid. Fermentation is a good example for anaerobic
respiration.
5.3.6. Respiratory quotient
Respiratory quotient may be defined as “the ratio between the volume
of carbondioxide given out and oxygen consumed during respiration”.
This value depends upon the nature of the respiratory substrate and its rate
of oxidation.
(i) Respiratory quotient of a carbohydrate
Glucose
(ii) Respiratory quotient of an organic acid
Malic acid
(more than one)
(iii) Respiratory quotient of fatty acid
32
Palmitic acid Sucrose
(less than one)
212
Respiratory quotient for anaerobic respiration
In anaerobic respiration, carbondioxide is evolved but oxygen is not
consumed. Therefore, the respiratory quotient in such case is infinity. For
example,
zymase
Glucose Ethanol
5.3.7. Compensation point

At a given low concentration of carbondioxide and nonlimiting light
intensity, the photosynthetic rate of a given plant will be equal to the total
amount of respiration, which includes both dark respiration and
photorespiration. The concentration of CO2 at which photosynthesis just
compensates the respiration is referred
to as carbondioxide compensation point. Carbondioxide
At carbondioxide compensation point,
the amount of CO 2 uptake for
photosynthesis is equal to that of CO2
generated. Through respiration including
photorespiration, so the net
photosynthesis is zero under these Sugar solution
conditions.
5.3.8. Fermentation
Fermentation literally means a
chemical change accompanied by
effervescence. The anaerobic breakdown
of glucose to carbondioxide and ethanol
is a form of respiration referred to
fermentation. It is normally carried by
yeast cells and accounts for the
production of alcohol in alcoholic
beverages. Fig.5.23Kuhne’s fermentation
experiment
213
In fermentation process, if glucose is converted into ethanol then it is
called ethanolic fermentation.
Yeast
Glucose Ethanol
Bacillus acidilacti
Lactic acid
When glucose is converted into organic acids such as lactic acid, then
this type of fermentation is known as lactic acid fermentation. It is carried
out by the bacterium Bacillus acidilacti.
Kuhne’s fermentation tube experiment
Kuhne’s fermentation tube consists of an upright glass tube and a side
tube with a bulb. 10 per cent glucose solution mixed with baker’s yeast is
taken in the Kuhne’s tube and the tube is completely filled. After some
time, the glucose solution is fermented and gives out an alcoholic smell.
The level in the upright tube will fall due to the accumulation of CO2 gas.
It is because yeast contains the enzyme zymase which converts glucose
solution into alcohol and CO2. When a crystal of KOH is introduced into
the tube, the KOH will absorb CO2 and the level of the solution will rise
in the upright tube.
Self evaluation
1. Which of the following is the common respiratory substrate?
a. Proteins b. Lipids
c. Carbohydrates d. Vitamins
2. The number of high energy terminal bonds present in ATP is
a. one b. two
c. three d. four
3. The first step in aerobic respiration is
a. glycolysis b. Krebs cycle
c. terminal oxidation d. cyclic photophosphorylation
4. Glucose is phosphorylated to glucose-6-phosphate by the enzyme
a. aldolase b. enolase
c. pyruvic kinase d. hexokinase
214
5. Fructose 1,6-bisphosphate is cleaved to two molecules of 3 carbon
compounds by
a. aldolase b. enolase
c. pyruvic kinase d. hexokinase
6. Cisaconitic acid is converted into isocitric acid by the addition of
a molecule of water. This reaction is catalyzed by
a. citric acid synthetase b. fumarase
c. malic dehydrogenase d. aconitase
7. Complete oxidation of one molecule of glucose yields
a. 38 ATP b. 36 ATP
c. 35 ATP d. 2 ATP
8. Oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvic acid is catalysed by
a. pyruvic dehydrogenase b. pyruvic kinase
c. pyruvic mutase d. pyruvic isomerase
9. α - ketoglutaric acid is a _____ carbon compound
a. two b. three
c. four d. five
10. Glucose is phosphorylated to glucose-6-phosphate by
a. aldolase b. kinase
c. mutase d. hexokinase
11. Respiratory quotient of glucose is
a. zero b. unity
c. more than one d. less than one
12. One molecule of FADH2 on oxidation yields
a. one ATP b. two ATP
c. three ATP d. four ATP
13. One molecule of NADH2 on oxidation yields
a. one ATP b. two ATP
c. three ATP d. four ATP
215
14. Formation of ATP during electron transport chain is known as
a. dephosphorylation b. phtophosphorylation
c. oxidative phosphorylation d. substrate level phosphorylation
15. Which of the following is referred to as EMP pathway?
a. Glycolysis b. Krebs cycle
c. Electron transport chain d. Pentose phosphate pathway
16. The total amount of energy released from one molecule of glucose
on oxidation is about
a. 1600 kJ b. 2300 kJ
c. 2500 kJ d. 2900 kJ
17. Which of the following is a 5C compound?
a. Phosphoglyceraldehyde b. Erythrosephosphate
c. Xylulose phosphate d. Sedoheptulose phosphate
18. Define respiration.
19. What is glycolysis?
20. Write the overall reaction of glycolysis.
21. What is the function of aldolase in the process of glycolysis?
22. What is Krebs cycle?
23. What is the role of aconitase in Krebs cycle?
24. What is oxidative phosphorylation?
25. Explain anaerobic respiration?
26. Define respiratory quotient.
27. The respiratory quotient for anaerobic respiration is infinity. Give
reasons.
28. What is fermentation?
29. Write short notes on electron transport chain.
30. Explain Ganong’s respiroscope experiment.
31. Write the significance of pentose phosphate pathway.
216
32. Write short notes on anaerobic respiration.
33. Explain respiratory quotient for carbohydrate, organic acid and
fatty acid.
34. What is compensation point? Explain.
35. What is fermentation? Explain.
36. Explain oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvic acid.
37. Draw the overall representation of respiration.
38. Write short notes on energy yield from one molecule of glucose
on complete oxidation.
39. Write an account on glycolysis.
40. Describe the sequences of reactions of Krebs cycle.
41. Explain pentose phosphate pathway.
217
5.4. Plant growth
Growth is one of the most fundamental and conspicuous characteristics
of living organisms. Growth may be defined as an irreversible increase in
mass, weight and size of a living organisms. In most cases, it results in
increase in dry weight and the amount of protoplasm. Growth in higher
plants includes cell division, enlargement and differentiation. Increase in
the number and size of cells by itself cannot account for the development
of an organized plant. For example, when a seed is sown, it does not
become a larger seed but it grows as a seedling. Thus, growth is always
accompanied by differentiation. Differentiation is the transformation of
identical cells into different tissues. Depending upon the various structural,
functional and physiological needs of the plant the tissues are of different
types. Growth and differentiation results in development, which leads to
gross form of the plant. Meristematic cells present in the plant body viz.,
root, shoot apices, and the cambium are responsible for growth in plants.
Phases of growth
The growth in length of the plant is due to the meristematic activity of
the apical meristems that takes place in the root and shoot apices. Whereas
increase in thickness of stem and root is due to the activity of lateral
meristem. You have already learnt in chapter 2 about different types of
meristems. The period of growth is generally divided into three phases
viz., formation, elongation
Steady state phase and maturation. In the first
phase, new cells are
continuously formed by the
apical meristem. In the
Growth rate
second phase known as

Log phase phase of elongation, the
newly formed cells enlarge
in size. In the third phase,
phase of maturation, cells
start maturing to attain
Lag phase
permanent size and form.
Time The rate of plant growth is
Fig. 5.24 Sigmoid curve slow in the initial stages and
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this phase is called lag phase. It is followed by a rapid growth phase
called log phase. In the third and final phases, the growth slows down
and the organism maintains the size it has already attained. This phase is
known as stationary phase or steady state phase. The growth in size or
increase in number of cells if plotted against time the graph shows ‘S’
shaped curve known as sigmoid growth curve as shown in the figure.
In the annual plants the last phase i.e. steady state phase is followed
by senescence i.e. arrest of growth and death. However, in the case of
large trees each growing season exhibits a sigmoidal pattern of growth.
Measurement of growth
You have already known that the growth in length of the plant is due
to the activity of the apical region of shoot and root. So in any plant the
growth in length can be measured in ordinary measuring scale at an
interval of time. For precise measurement, an instrument called ‘Lever
Auxanometer’ is used. It measures the rate of growth of plant in terms of
short length. The auxanometer
consists of a movable pointer
attached to a pulley and a graduated
arc fixed to a stand. A thread passes
around the pulley. One end of the
thread is tied to the growing tip of
the potted plant. The other end is
tied to a small weight. As the plant
grows in length the pulley rotates
and needle attached to the pulley
moves down the scale. From this,
growth in length of the plant
can be measured at a given
Fig. 5.25 Lever auxanometer interval of time.
The actual growth in the length of a plant is measured as follows.
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Plant growth substances
The growth of a plant is regulated through gene action and
environmental conditions. There are substances, which are produced by
plants themselves, which regulate their growth and many physiological
and biochemical activities. These are called plant growth substances.
Regulation of plant growth through chemical mechanisms frequently involves
certain molecules known as hormones.
Based on the origin and biological activities plant growth substances
are grouped into three - growth regulators, phytohormones and growth
inhibitors.
Growth regulator
It is a hormone like synthetic organic compound. In small amounts, it
modifies the growth and development either by promoting or inhibiting
the growth. eg. Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA).
Phytohormones
These are organic substances produced by the plant. They are active
in very minute quantities. They are synthesised in one of the parts of the
plant and translocated to another part where they influence specific
physiological, biochemical and morphological changes. The phytohormones
are broadly grouped under five major classes namely auxins, gibberellins,
cytokinins, ethylene and abscisic acid.
Auxins
Auxin was the first plant hormone to be discovered. They were
isolated initially from human urine. The term auxin is given to generally
IAA and other natural and synthetic compounds having similar structure
and growth regulating properties. Generally, auxins are produced in the
growing apices of stem and root where from they migrate to the other
parts of the plant. Auxins such as IAA and phenyl acetic acid (PAA) are
natural auxins. Synthetic auxins are chemicals synthesised in the laboratory.
They are considered as plant growth regulators. eg. Naphthalene acetic
acid, 2,4 – Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid.
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Physiological effects of auxin
Auxins are well known to promote elongation of stem and coleoptile.
It promotes the growth by cell enlargement in stems, particularly by
elongation of cells behind the apical meristem.
Growth in lateral bud is inhibited when the apical bud of a tall plant
remains intact. However, the lateral bud grows rapidly on removal
of apical bud.
Suppression of growth in lateral bud by apical bud due to auxin
produced by apical bud is termed as apical dominance. The reason for
this is due to auxin produced in growing tip and it stimulates growth
but as it moves downward, suppresses growth in the stems below.
Auxin is responsible for initiation and promotion of cell division in
cambium, which is responsible for the secondary growth. This
property of induction of cell division has been exploited for tissue
culture techniques and for the formation of callus.
Auxin promotes growth of root only at extremely low concentrations.
At higher concentrations, it always inhibits growth of root.
When leaves and fruits mature, they shed from the stem. This is
called abscission. Auxin prevents abscission.
Seedless fruits are produced in tomato and apple, by external application
of auxin on flowers. Such seedless fruits are called parthenocarpic
fruits.
2,4 – Dichlorophenoxy aceticacid, a synthetic auxin is used to eradicate
weeds in the field.
Gibberellins
Gibberellin was first discovered in Japan by Kurusowa. He observed
from his field that some of the rice seedlings had grown much taller than
the others. On further observation, he found that such taller rice plants
had shown unusual internodal elongation. This internodal elongation is
known as the ‘bakanae’ or ‘foolish seedling’ disease of rice. Later, it
was discovered that the elongation was due to the action of a substance
produced by a fungus, Gibberella fujikuroi. This substance was successfully
isolated from the fungus and it was named as gibberellic acid.
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There are over 90 different gibberellins isolated from fungi and from
higher plants. Gibberellins occur in various plant organs. They are named
as GA1, GA2, GA3, etc. These phytohormones occur in all groups of plants.
Physiological effects of gibberellin
Gibberellins produce extraordinary elongation of stem. The elongation
of stem is caused by the cell division and cell elongation induced by
gibberellic acid.
One of the most striking effects of the gibberellins is the reversal of
dwarfism in many genetically dwarf plants. For e.g. ‘Rosette’ plant
of sugar beet, when treated with GA undergoes marked longitudinal
growth of axis attaining the normal size.
Rosette plants usually show reduced internodal growth. These plants
exhibit excessive internodal growth when they are treated with
gibberellin. This sudden elongation of stem followed by flowering is
called bolting.
Many biennials usually flower during the second year of their growth.
For flowering to take place, these plants should be exposed to cold
season. Such plants could be made to flower without exposure to
cold season in the first year itself, when they are treated with
gibberellins.
Formation of seedless fruits without fertilization can also be induced
by gibberellin treatment in many plants. eg. Tomatoes, apples,
cucumbers, etc.,
Some of the light sensitive seeds can germinate by the treatment of
gibberellic acid even in complete darkness. eg. barley,
Gibberellin breaks dormancy in potato tubers.
Cytokinin
Cytokinin is a plant growth substance, which stimulates cell division.
This was isolated by Miller and Skoog in 1954 from Herring fish.
Following the discovery of kinetin many other compounds showing similar
activity were discovered. These are collectively called cytokinins. The cytokinin
found in the zea mays is called zeatin. Cytokinin is also found in the
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endosperm of coconut. Cytokinin occurs in various seed plants. They are
found particularly in embryos, developing fruits and roots. Varying
mixtures of auxin and cytokinin influence plant growth and differentiation.
Physiological effects of cytokinin
The most important function of cytokinin is the promotion of cell
division.
In association with IAA, cytokinin initiates bud and root formation in
callus tissue.
External application of cytokinin promotes the growth of lateral buds
even if the apical bud is intact.
Cytokinin breaks the dormancy of many seeds and also promotes
germination.
Application of cytokinin delays the process of ageing in plants. This
is also known as Richmond Lang effect.
Ethylene
Ethylene is a simple gaseous hormone. It is usually present in a
minute quantity. It is synthesised in large amounts by tissues undergoing
ageing and acts as a natural plant growth hormone.
Physiological effects of ethylene
Ethylene prevents elongation of stem and root in longitudinal direction.
Simultaneously, the tissue enlarges radially resulting in thickening of
plant parts.
Ethylene promotes positive geotropic growth of roots.
Ethylene inhibits the growth of lateral buds in pea seedlings.
Ethylene is involved in the ripening of fruits.
Ethylene stimulates the formation of abscission zone in leaves, flowers
and fruits. This causes leaves, flowers and fruits to shed prematurely.
Flowering can be induced by application of ethylene in plants like
pineapple and mango.
Ethylene stimulates rooting of cuttings, initiation of lateral roots and
growth of root hair.
Ethylene is responsible for breaking the dormancy of buds and seeds.
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Abscisic acid
Abscisic acid (ABA) was originally discovered for its role in regulating
abscission and bud dormancy. Like other plant hormones, it has multiple
functions in the growth of plants.
Physiological effects of abscisic acid
Abscisic acid acts as growth inhibitor and induces bud dormancy in a
variety of plants.
ABA is a powerful growth inhibitor. It causes 50 per cent inhibition
of growth of oat seedlings.
As the name suggests abscisic acid is an hormone that stimulates
abscission.
ABA controls geotropic responses of roots. It stimulates positive
geotropism in roots.
Abscisic acid causes closure of stomata.
Growth inhibitors
Some organic substances produced in the plant inhibit the plant growth.
These substances are called growth inhibitors. They inhibit the elongation
in roots, stems and leaves. For example, ethylene is a potent inhibitor of
bud growth. ABA inhibits lateral bud growth in tomato.
Self evaluation
1. Which one of the following plant hormones was first discovered?
a. Auxin b. Gibberellin
c. Cytokinin d. Ethylene
2. An example for synthetic auxin is
a. IAA b. PAA
c. ABA d. NAA
3. Apical dominance is due to
a. ethylene b. auxin
c. gibberellin d. cytokinin
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4. Bakanae disease in paddy is caused by
a. abscissic acid b. phenyl acetic acid
c. naphthelene acetic acid d. gibberellic acid
5. In sigmoid curve the rapid growth phase is designated as
a. lag phase b. log phase
c. dormant phase d. steady state phate
6. Auxin prevents
a. apical dominance b. ageing process
c. parthinocarpy d. abscission
7. “Foolish seedling” disease of rice is caused by
a. auxin b. gibbrellins
c. cytokinin d. abscisic acid
8. Closure of stomata is caused by
a. auxin b. gibbrellins
c. cytokinin d. abscisic acid
9. The chemical used in the field to eradicate weeds is
a. 2, 4 - D b. IAA
c. ABA d. urea
10. Abscission is prevented by
a. Auxin b. Gibberellin
c. Cytokinin d. Ethylene
11. Which of the following is a gaseous hormone?
a. Kinetin b. Zeatin
c. Auxin d. Ethylene
12. Which of the following is natural auxin found in higher plants?
a. I.A.A. b. 2, 4-D
c. GA d. Zeatin
13. What is a growth inhibitor? Give an example.
14. Write any two physiological effects of abscisic acid.
15. What is Richmond Lang effect?
16. Define Bolting.
17. What is apical dominance?
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18. Define growth regulator.
19. What are called phytohormones?
20. Explain the experiment to measure the actual longitudinal growth of
plant by lever auxonometer.
21. Bring out the physiological effects of auxin.
22. Write the physiological effects of gibberellin.
23. Write short notes on physiological effects of cytokinin.
24. What are the physiological effects of ethylene.
25. Explain the different phases of growth with sigmoid curve.
26. Write an essay on auxins and gibberellins with their physiological effects
27. Write an account on cytokinin, ethylene and abscisic acid with their
physiological effects.
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5.5. Photoperiodism and vernalization
The response of a plant to the relative lengths of light and dark
periods is known as photoperiodism. In plants, most significant
photoperiodic response is the initiation of flowering. It has been first
observed in Maryland Mammoth variety of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum).
From the observation of Garner and Allard all the plants do not
require the same length of light and dark periods for flowering. Plants
require specific period of light and darkness for flowering. It is known as
critical period.
Plants are classified into three classes
1. The plants requiring longer exposure to light than their critical period
are known as long day plants eg. wheat and oats.
2. The plants requiring light for a shorter period than their critical period
are known as short day plants eg. tobacco and Chrysanthemum.
3. The plants in which flowering is unaffected by the photoperiod are
known as day neutral plants eg. sunflower and maize.
Phytochromes and flowering
In 1959, Butler et al. were able to discover a photoreceptor flower
inducing pigment in plants which they name phytochromes. It is believed
to be widely present in all green plants. Chemically, phytochrome is a
biliprotein and exists in two forms. One form absorbs red with the wave
length of 660 nm called Pr and the other form absorbs far red with the
wave length of 730 nm called Pfr. The two forms of phytochrome are
interconvertible as shown below:
Light
Based on the absorption spectra, Pr is 660-665 nm
also called P 660 and Pfr is P 730. In short Pr Pfr
day plants, Pr promotes flowering while Pfr 730-735 nm
suppresses it , while it is viceversa in long
day plants. Darkness
Vernalization
The term vernalization was first introduced by a Russian scientist
T.D. Lysenko in 1920. Many species, especially biennials and perennials
are induced to flower at low temperature range of 1oC to 10oC. This is
known as vernalization.
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The response to the cold temperature stimulus is not uniform in all
plants. Plants, which are vernalized, are called inductive types. Those
nonvernalized are called noninductive types.
Techniques of vernalization
The following are the steps to be taken to induce vernalization. Seeds
are allowed to germinate and subjected to cold treatment for varying
period of time depending on the species. Germinated seeds after this
treatment are allowed to dry for sometime and then sown.
Devernalization
Reversal of the effect of vernalization is called Devernalization.
Subjecting the plants to higher temperature after a cold treatment brings
about devernalization.
Practical application of vernalization
Russian scientists have used vernalization to shorten the time of crop
maturity by hastening the flowering processes which are brought about by
cold treatment.
Advantages
Crops can be produced earlier by vernalization. They can be cultivated
in places where they naturally do not grow. Vernalization helps to accelerate
the plant breeding.
Self evaluation
1. The response of a plant to the relative lengths of light and dark
periods is known as
a. vernalization b. photorespiration
c. photosynthesis d. photoperiodism
2. Photoperiodic response in flowering was first observed in
a. wheat b. Maryland Mammoth
c. Oats d. Chrysanthemum
3. Which of the following is a short day plant?
a. wheat b. tobacco
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c. sunflower d. maize
4. Which of the following is a long day plant?
a. tobacco b. sunflower
c. maize d. wheat
5. Define photoperiodism.
6. What are called long day plants?
7. What is a short day plant?
8. Define vernalization.
9. Write about the techniques of vernalization.
10. What is devernalization?
11. Write any two advantages of vernalization.
12. Write short notes on phytochromes and flowering.
13. Write short notes on vernalization.
14. Write an account on photoperiodism and vernalization.
Reference
1. Plant physiology by Devlin and Witham first Indian edition 1986.
2. Modern practicals botany B.P. Pandey vol. II. New print 2003.
3. Plant physiology by V.K. Jain first edition 2003.
4. Fundamentals of biochemistry-JL.Jain, Sanjay jain and Nitin jain
2003.
5. Plant physiology by Noggle and Fritz, Practice hall of India,
1992.
6. Plant physiology by Kochhar and Krishnamoorthy, 1992.
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6. BIOLOGY IN HUMAN WELFARE
The world’s human population, which was only one billion during
1850, had reached 6.1 billion around year 2000. This dramatic increase
in population, otherwise called ‘population explosion’ has created its impact
not only on the environment but also on food production.
Half of this 6.1 billion people live in poverty and one fifth of this
population suffer due to malnutrition. Increase in population, unplanned
industrialization and migration towards cities and urban areas has resulted
in the degradation of the environment. The present agricultural practices
have polluted cultivable land physically, chemically and biologically. The
net productivity is gradually being reduced. These factors lead to the
shrinkage of the agricultural lands and a fall in agricultural production.
6.1. Food production
In order to fight the menace of hunger and malnutrition, we need
crops with greater yield and better nutritive value. The quantity and
quality of crops can be improved by modern scientific methods through
genetic manipulation called genetic engineering. However, the time old
concept of breeding plants either interspecific or intraspecific to bring out
the best hybrid plant in plant breeding programmes still remains in vogue
even today. Efforts are being made by ICAR – Indian Council of
Agricultural Research and other related organisations in our country to
increase food production.
A plant breeder strives to get a group of plants or a variety with
suitable combination of genes that gives better yield and improved quality
under a particular set of environmental conditions. A single species is a
group of assemblage of innumerable number of genetic types such as
lines, strains, etc. The strains are tested in various climatic conditions,
successful ones are named, multiplied and distributed as a variety or cultivar
eg. Oryza sativa Co.15, ADT. 16.
Breeding experiments
Increase in population has forced us to carry out continuous scientific
experiments for the following reasons viz.
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1. To develop more food crops
2. To increase quality in food crops and
3. To have sustainable food quality in food crops and assured food
supply.
By introducing specialized technology, plant breeders are now able
to develop more crops, which they multiply and supply them to the growers.
Improvement in the genetic make up of plants is called plant breeding.
Major aspects of plant breeding include
1. creation of useful variation in the cultivable crops.
2. selection of better crops.
3. conducting / carrying out breeding experiments to assess the quality
of the crop and
4. release of a variety after their extensive multiplication.
Aims of plant breeding
The first and foremost aim in plant breeding is to create useful variation
in the crop plant. This can be achieved by the following measures.
1. Bringing wild food crops to cultivation. (wheat, oats and many
cereal crops were once wild plants which had now been
domesticated).
2. Obtaining genes from desirable plants or related species (eg. as
seeds from various parts of the world).
3. Introduction of plants from nearby regions or even from other
countries for improvement of the crop. (eg. cauliflower, tomato,
potato and soyabeans).
4. By employing certain plant breeding techniques, new varieties are
developed. eg. maize, sorghum, cotton and sunflower.
5. Auto and Allopolyploid breeding.
6. By inducing mutations using physical and chemical mutagens.
7. Production of haploids by the application of plant tissue culture of
anther and ovary.
8. Improvement of nutritional quality by genetic engineering (eg.
Fortified rice - iron rich rice and carotene rich rice).
9. Development of disease, drought and environmental stress resistant
varieties.
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Aspects of plant breeding
Present day crop plants are from wild species reared by careful
domestication, cultivation and management. We have several wild varieties
existing in nature just as in the case of salinity tolerant wild rice. Through
gene manipulation, the gene for salinity tolerance could be cloned in a
rice variety. In such of those areas where shortage of fresh water exists,
rice can be cultivated using seawater and can even be grown in extreme
saline soil. Similarly, we need many more such wild plants showing
increased capacity to extremes of climatic conditions and disease resistance
for plant breeding programmes. In order to safeguard the biodiversity
and certain important valuable crops from going into extinction, scientists
are protecting these crops by establishing gene or germplasm banks by
preserving their seeds.
Selection
It is one of the oldest procedures in which individual plants or group
of plants are sorted out from mixed population, thus eliminating undesirable
ones. Selection methods are of two types - mass selection and pure line
selection.
Mass selection
In this method, plants are selected based on their desirable
morphological characters (phenotype). Their seeds are composite or mixed
and the progenies are grown in masses. They are not individually tested.
After repeated selection for about five to six years, selected seeds are
multiplied and distributed to farmers. The only disadvantage of mass
selection is that it is difficult to distinguish hereditary variation from
environmental variation.
Pure line selection
A pure line is a collection of plants obtained as a result of repeated
self-pollination from a single homozygous individual. Hence, a variety
formed by this method shows more homozygosity with respect to all genes.
One disadvantage is that new genotypes are never created by this method.
Genetic variability is essential for adaptations in different environmental
and seasonal conditions.
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Clonal selection
Crops like sugarcane, potato, tea, banana and certain species of grasses
are asexually propagated and produce very poor seeds. Based on their
phenotypic appearance, the method of clonal selection is employed to
select improved variety from a mixed population (clones). Selected plants
are multiplied through vegetative propagation to give rise to a clone. The
genotype of a clone remains unchanged for a long period of time.
Introduction
India has several varieties of crops such as maize, tobacco, tomato,
potato and brinjal which were introduced from countries such as America,
China and Australia. Introduced varieties sometimes do not get adjusted
easily with our local environment. It takes some time for these introduced
crops to settle. Sometimes, it is essential to select suitable and desirable
variety from the introduced plants. For example, a mung Phaseolus mungo
variety was introduced from China but was not giving good yield and
produced dull coloured seeds. From amongst the introduced mung crop, a
plant suddenly produced large and bright coloured seeds. This aspect may
be due to sudden mutation. This variant plant was selected and further
subjected to inter or intra specific crosses with our native crop. In this
way, new varieties were produced and released as newly developed mung
variety. Such a mung No.1 variety is now being cultivated in Punjab.
Hybridization
Hybridization is a method in plant breeding to improve the native
crops by obtaining diverse genotypes that can be used as a source material
for collection of crop with desirable characters and genes obtained from
many parts of the world. It involves crossing of two varieties or species
or genera having desirable genes and breeding them together of the desirable
traits into one progeny, which is called the hybrid. Hybrids are the products
of first generation obtained by crossing genetically unrelated parents.
When two individuals of the same species are crossed, it is called
inbreeding or selfing or self-pollination. This results in the increase of
homozygosity. Particularly homozygous recessive alleles develop loss of
vigor in plants. By careful observation of morphological features, we can
remove these deleterious and harmful alleles by selection.
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Protoplasmic fusion or somatic hybridization
A hybrid produced from fusion of protoplasts of two different species
is called somatic hybridization. Naked protoplasts are obtained through
dissolution of their cell walls by the macerating enzymes such as pectinase
and cellulase. Fusion of protoplasts from two different varieties can be
enhanced by treatment with the chemical called polyethylene glycol (PEG)
in the presence of high voltage electric current on a suitable medium. By
this method somatic hybrid plants with desirable changes can be obtained.
This method in plant breeding is called protoplasmic fusion. This concept
had been studied by you already in the chapter four.
Heterosis
The superiority of the F1 hybrid in performance over its parents is called
heterosis or hybrid vigour. Vigour refers to increase in growth, yield,
resistance to diseases, pests and drought. F1 hybrids of maize show 25%
increase in yield when compared to their own parent crop. Vegetative
propagation is the best suited measure for maintaining hybrid vigour,
since the desired characters are not lost and can persist over a period of
time.
Polyploid breeding
The source for plant breeding is variations in plants.. Heritable and
desirable variations occur in nature by mutation, polyploidy, recombination
and chromosomal aberrations. A diploid plant has two sets of chromosomes
but any organism in which the number of sets of chromosome is doubled
is called a polyploid.
When chromosome number is doubled by itself in the same plant, it
is called autopolyploidy. For example, three sets of chromosomes i.e. a
triploid condition in sugar beats, apples and pear has resulted in the increase
in vigour and fruit size, large root size, large leaves, flower, more seeds
and sugar content in them. Seedless tomato, apple, watermelon and orange
are autopolyploids.
Polyploidy can be induced by the use of colchicine to double the
chromosome number. Allopolyploids are produced by multiplication of
chromosome sets that are initially derived from two different species.
eg. Triticum × Secale gives Triticale.
234
The haploid individual plant will have only one set of chromosome.
Through the technique of anther and ovary culture, haploid plants can be
modified to diploid ones by doubling their chromosomes. Variations that
are brought forth through plant tissue culture are called somoclonal
variation. eg. disease resistant potato and rust resistant wheat. Varieties
of short duration sugarcanes are produced by polyploid breeding.
Mutation breeding
Radiation induces mutation to develop new variety of crops. Now
with newer and more powerful sources of radiations (UV shortwave, X-
ray, Alpha, Beta, Gamma waves) and many chemicals (mutagens) eg.
Caesium, ethyl methane sulfonate, nitromethyl urea), we can increase the
rates of mutation eg. Triple gene dwarf wheat with increase in yield and
height. Atomita 2-rice with saline tolerance and pest resistance, groundnuts
with thick shells are products of breeding methods through induced
mutation.
Breeding for disease resistance .
Many crop plants suffer from several diseases caused by pathogens
such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, nematodes, protozoa and mycoplasma.
In vegetatively propagated plants like potato, cassava, sugarcane and dahlia,
viral pathogens are transmitted through their roots, tubers, bulbs and
rhizomes. Disease free plants are obtained by shoot apical meristem culture
technique. Plants raised through tissue culture are free from pathogens,
which are widely cultivated.
Whenever, a trait that shows disease resistance in a plant is observed,
the best way to transfer that trait to other useful crop is by the method of
backcross. Repeated back crosses are attempted with the parent crop with
more desirable characters and such a crop is known as recurrent parent.
For example, A is a non-recurrent parent and B* is a recurrent parent
with desirable trait.
A x B*→ C x B* → D x B* → E x B* → F x B*
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
C D E F G*
* desirable disease resistance with disease resistance
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Genetic engineering
Genetic engineering will enable the plant or animal breeder to select
the particular gene from one plant and then place the same gene into
another plant for it to express its desired character. Today, genetic
engineering is widely employed as a tool in modern crop improvements.
Recombinant DNA technology, popularly termed ‘gene cloning’ or ‘genetic
engineering’ offer unlimited opportunities for creating new combination
of genes that at the moment do not exist under natural conditions. Genetic
engineering can be defined as the formation of new combinations of
heritable material by the insertion of foreign nucleic acid molecule from
other sources.
The foreign genes are generally incorporated into a host organism
either through a bacterial plasmid or a virus, which acts as vectors (vehicular
traffic). Genes are compared to biological software and are the programs
that drive the growth development and functioning of an organism. By
changing the software in a precise and controlled manner, it becomes
possible to produce desired changes in the characteristics of the organisms.
eg. E. coli is made to produce human insulin by introduction of human
insulin producing gene into bacterial plasmid.
Genetic engineering is a tool used in modern crop improvement
programs. Its objective is to isolate and introduce a gene or genes into a
crop plant that normally does not possess them. Addition of genes or
DNA (foreign genes) from one plant or a microbe to another plant is
called transgenic plant. Herbicide resistance, saline resistance, altered
flower colour, improved protein quality and protection against viral
infection are few examples of recently formed transgenic higher plants by
using this technology eg. tobacco, tomato, potato, sunflower and apple.
Improved varieties
Improvement of a crop lies in its genetic make up and the environment
in which it grows and interacts. An improved variety is one that is superior
to other existing varieties in one or few characters. It may show high
yield than other varieties, early maturity, disease and pest resistance. A
new improved variety is developed by continuous breeding experiments
as described above under various methods. By making use of modern
technologies, like biotechnology, tissue culture and conventional breeding
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methods new improved crops are obtained with desirable characters that
suits well to the existing environment without polluting or altering it in
any way. In order to release a newly created variety it takes nearly 12
years involving extensive field trials, naming and multiplication.
Role of biofertilizers
Extensive use of fertilizers and chemical pesticides had resulted in
soil and water pollution. Fossil fuels such as petrol and coal are used in
the manufacture of fertilizers and pesticides. To reduce pollution and
over usage of our non-renewable resources like coal, petroleum, etc., an
alternative method has been successfully developed to safeguard natural
resources. To maintain soil fertility and soil improvement, fertilizers of
biological origin called biofertilizers have been developed.
Artificial inoculation of rice and other crop fields with cyanobacteria
(Anabaena, Calothrix, Gleocapsa, Lyngbya, Nostoc, Oscillatoria,
Scytonema) has attracted much attention to increase fertility in several
countries. The term ‘biofertilizer’ denotes all the nutrient inputs of
biological origin for plant growth. Biological origin refers to microbes
producing nitrogen compounds. Bacteria and cyanobacteria are known to
fix atmospheric nitrogen and are known as biofertilizers. Nitrogen fixing
bacteria like Azotobacter, Bacillus and Rhizobium increased the crop yield
to 20%. Pseudomonas striata are used as seed inoculants as biofertilizer
coats for cereals.
Green manuring
Various leguminous plants like Crotalaria juncea, Cassia mimusoides,
Glycine max, Indigofera linifolia, Sesbania rostrata, Acacia nilotica,
Leucena, Lathyrus and Mucuna are used as green manures. They
accumulate more than 80 Kg of nitrogen per hectare in the soil when
grown as green manures.
Azolla is an aquatic fern, which contains an endophytic cyanobacterium
Anabaena azollae in its leaves. It is used as a biofertilizer in rice field.
Out of six species of Azolla, A. pinnata is widely employed as a successful
biofertilizer in Indian rice fields. It adds 30 Kg of nitrogen per hectare
where the yield is equivalent to that of urea or ammonium phosphate.
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Mycorrhiza as biofertilizer
Mycorrhiza is a root inhabiting fungus found around or inside the
roots of many plants. It increases growth and yield and also provides
protection to the roots against edaphic (soil) stresses, pathogen and pests.
It helps in the increased uptake of soil and mineral water solution by the
plant root system. It provides many uses for the host plants eg. VAM
(Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza) fungi. Mycorrhiza is of two types.
a. Ectotrophic mycorrhiza, which are found only outside the surface
of roots of plants. eg. Basidiomycetous fungi.
b. Endotrophic mycorrhiza, which are found inside the roots, in the
intercellular spaces and even inside the cell (intra and intercellular)
eg. VAM fungi.
Benefits from biofertilizers
1. Biofertilizers are easy to produce in abundance and are available
at low cost to the marginal farmers.
2. It increases soil fertility without causing any damage to the soil.
3. Application of biofertilizers increases yield upto 45 per cent and
the left over biofertilizers in the soil increases yield as long as the
biofertilizer remains in the soil up to 3 to 4 years.
4. Azolla, which is a biofertilizer amends the soil with organic matter.
Cyanobacteria in particular secrete growth promoting hormones
like indole 3-acetic acid, indole butyric acid, naphthalene acetic
acid, aminoacids, protein and vitamins to soil.
5. Cyanobacteria grow well both in acidic as well as in alkaline soils.
Since, cyanobacteria are potent neutralizers, they help in the
neutralization of soil. The process of converting untenable, fallow
land to cultivable soil is termed as soil reclamation. Blue green
algae play a vital role in this conversion.
6. Symbiotic nitrogen fixing Rhizobium is a biofertilizer. It adds 50
to 150 Kg of nitrogen to soil per hectare. Azatobacter and
Azospirillum secrete antibiotics which act as biopesticides.
7. Ectotrophic mycorrhiza, which acts as a biofertilizer, increases
the surface area of the roots of host plants, so that more absorption
of nutrients by the roots is made possible.
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6.2. Crop diseases and their control
The diseases in crop plants result in a heavy loss of crop yields and
cause considerable damage to crops year after year. To check the plant
diseases, it becomes necessary to know about the cause of the diseases, of
the life history of the causal organism and of the meterological conditions
which influence the host and parasite interaction.
Control measures may be divided into two main groups – prophylaxis
and disease resistance. Prophylaxis includes the protection of the host
from exposure to the pathogen, from infection or from environmental
factors favourable to disease development. Disease – resistance implies
the improvement of resistance of the host to infection and to disease
development.
SPECIFIC DISEASES
Rice - Oryza sativa
Pathogen Disease incited by a fungus, Pyricularia oryzae.
Name of the disease Blast disease of rice.
Systematic position The fungus belongs to class: Deuteromycetes.
Symptoms
The symptoms are found on the leaf blades, leaf sheaths and rachis.
Characteristic isolated, bluish – green necrotic lesions with a water –
soaked appearance are formed on the leaf – blades. The lesions are broad
in the centre and possess narrow elongations on its top and bottom. The
lesion – formation leads to ultimate drying of the leaves, and the seedlings
wither and die.
After transplantation, the symptoms appear in the form of necrotic
lesions both on the leaf lamina and the leaf sheaths. The necrotic lesion is
spindle shaped grey in the centre and remain surrounded by brown and
yellowish zones. The leaves ultimately dry up.
The pathogen
The fungus Pyricularia oryzae when young possesses hyaline and
septate mycelium. On maturity, the colour of mycelium changes to olive
brown. Conidia are produced terminally. Each conidium is obpyriform
septate with a small basal appendage.
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Control measures
The most economic method of control is the cultivation of resistant,
high yielding varieties.
Seed treatment
Immersion of the seeds in 0.2 per cent solution of Kalimat B for 24
hours controlled the disease and promoted the growth of seedlings. The
seed protectants such as agrosan, cerasan and spergon have been proved
responsible for the control of disease.
Sanitation
Plant debris should be collected and destroyed. The secondary host
plants such as Digitaria marginata should be collected from paddy fields
and destroyed.
Spraying and dusting
Blast disease can be controlled effectively by spraying the fungicide,
Bordeaux mixture at least 4 times before and after flowering of the crop.
Bordeaux mixture formula is as follows:
Copper sulphate 9 Kgs.
Quick lime 9 Kgs.
Water 250 litres.
The dusting of organomercuric compounds has been suggested for
controlling blast.
Groundnut or peanut - Arachis hypogea
Tikka disease of groundnut
Pathogen Disease incited by a fungus Cercospora personata.
Systematic position The fungus belongs to class Deuteromycetes.
Symptoms
Lesions appear on the leaves, when the plants are atleast two months
old. The symptoms appear in July and continue upto maturity of the
plant. The lesions on the leaves are rounded and 1 to 6 mm in diameter.
These spots are dark brown or black and found on both surfaces of the
leaf. Yellow border develops around each such leaf spot.
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Pathogen
The mycelium of Cercospora personata is brown, septate branched
and slender. Branched haustoria are produced to absorb food materials
from the host tissue. The conidia are long and septate. Each conidiophore
produces single conidium at its tip. The spread of the disease takes place
by means of conidia which are dispersed by wind.
Black lesions
Conidia
Fig. 6.1 Tikka disease of groundnut

Control
The disease can be controlled by sanitation and crop rotation. The
use of phosphatic and potassic manures reduce the disease. Sulphur dusting
is quite effective. Resistant variety should be sown.
Citrus canker
Pathogen
Disease due to a bacterium Xanthomonas citri. This bacterium is of
bacillus and gram negative type. In India, this is the most commonly
prevalent disease during the rains.
Symptoms
The disease affects the leaves, twigs, thorns and fruits. All green
parts and maturing fruits become more or less covered with brown scabby
spots surrounded by dark – brown glossy margins. The lesions may
enlarge to a diameter of 3 or 4 mm become raised and rough and turn
brown. The bacteria enter through the stomata and wounds and multiply
in the cortex to which they are confined.
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Control
The infection can be largely prevented by removing the infected
branches and spraying the plants with Bordeaux mixture or spraying 3 to
4 times in a season with antibiotic the
Canker streptocycline at the rate of 1 gm in
45 liters of water.
Tungro disease of rice
Pathogen Disease incited by a virus
Canker Rice Tungro virus. The virus is
transmitted by a leafhopper.
Symptoms
The symptoms appear first on the
emerging leaf. They are mild
interveinal chlorosis (loss of
Fig. 6.2 Citrus canker chlorophyll), mild mottling and
yellowing. Plant shows stunted growth and symptoms appear on the lower
leaves. They turn yellow orange, bend downwards and possess dark
brown spots.
Transmission of virus
The leafhopper retains infectivity for a short period only and transmits
the virus to another plant immediately after feeding on an infected plant.
Biopesticides
Biological agents that are used for control of insects, weeds and
pathogens produced from living organisms are called biopesticides. Micro-
organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and mites may be
used as biopesticides.
Biocontrol of insect pests
1. The manufacture of methyl isocynate (MIC) was started in 1980 in
India to make Serin (carbaryl), a powerful pesticide that can kill more
than 100 types of insects attacking 100 different crops.
2. Many of the chemical pesticides, which are used to control several
crop pests also affects the beneficial organisms.
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3. They also bring about considerable damages to living organisms
because of their hazardous effects in the environment. There was an
enmasse killing of more than 4,000 people, many animals and plants,
when methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked out in the night of 2nd and 3rd
December, 1984 from the underground reservoir of Union Carbide Factory
at Bhopal. This is mentioned as Bhopal Tragedy. Many of the people
exposed to this poisonous gas are suffering even today.
4. Majority of microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi,
protozoa and mycoplasma are known to kill insect pests. The suitable
preparations of such microorganisms for control of insects are called as
‘microbial insecticides’. These are non-hazardous, non-phytotoxic and
are selective in their action. They are eco-friendly not responsible for
environmental degradation. The most frequently used bio-control agent
is Bacillus thuringiensis and Pyrethrum extracted from the inflorescence
of Chrysanthemum belonging to Asteraceae.
Bacterial pesticides
B. thuringiensis is a widely distributed bacterium. It is a saprophytic
bacterium and can be isolated from soils, litters and dead insects. It is a
spore-forming bacterium and produces several toxins such as exotoxins
and endotoxins in crystallized forms. The bacterium is harmful to
lepidoptera insects. After infection of spore, larvae are damaged due to
the secretion of a single large crystal in the cell. This crystal (toxin) is
proteinaceous in nature.
6.3. Genetically modified food
The greater concern in food biotechnology is the integration of both
modern biological knowledge and techniques and current bioengineering
principles in food processing and preservation. Modern biotechnological
techniques will have considerable importance in influencing trends in the
food market, namely cost, preservation, taste, consistency, colour and
above all, health aspects.
Every year more than a million children die and another 3,50,000 go
blind from the effects of vitamin A deficiency. Employing genetic
engineering techniques, Potrykus of Switzerland and Peter Beyer of Germany
transferred genes that make carotene in daffodils into Oryza sativa. Ordinary
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techniques of plant breeding do not offer a way to enrich the crop.
Extracting carotene genes from daffodils, Potrykus and Beyer had
introduced these genes into the soil bacterium. Agrobacterium tumefaciens,
the transgenic agrobacteria were then incubated with rice embryos in plant
tissue culture medium. As the bacterium infects the rice cells, they also
transfer the genes for making beta carotene.
A number of examples are available where transgenic plants suitable
for food processing have been developed.
(i) Tomatoes with elevated sucrose and reduced starch could also be
produced using sucrose phosphate synthase gene.
(ii) Starch content in potatoes could be increased by 20 to 40 per cent by
using a bacterial ADP glucose pyrophosphorylase gene (ADP GPPase).
(iii) Vaccines, antibodies and interferons can be consumed directly along
with tomato, banana and cucumber.
Edible vaccine
Acute watery diarrhoea is caused by Escherichia coli and Vibrio
cholerae that colonize the small intestine and produce enterotoxin.
Attempts were made to produce transgenic potato tubers that they could
still retain vaccines in their tubers, even after the tubers had become 5 per
cent soft after boiling. 50 per cent of vaccine was still present in the
tubers.
Edible antibodies
Transgenic plants are being looked upon as a source of antibodies.
They can also provide passive immunization by direct application.
Edible interferons
Interferons are the substances made of proteins and are anti-viral in
nature. Scientists have successfully produced transgenic tobacco and maize
plants that secrete human interferons . Today, rice crops have been enriched
with vitamin A through gene manipulation. Similarly, pulse crop have been
tampered with to produce lysine-rich pulse seeds. Such genetically modified
food (GMF) are now becoming components of human staple food.
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It is hoped that one day genetically engineered plants will have one
or more of these attributes:
i. They will show tolerance against heat, cold, drought or salt.
ii. They are more nutritious.
iii. They can be stored and transported without fear of damage.
iv. They require less fertilizer.
v. They produce chemicals and drugs that are of interest to humans.
6.4. Bio-war
Nowadays, microbes are misused as biological weapons. For instance,
a single gram of the most virulent strains of weaponized smallpox or
anthrax could contain 250 million infectious doses. Under ideal dispersal
conditions, about half the people of the entire world when exposed to
these germs could become ill and one-third might die.
Deadly organisms
Even from a very long period, pathogens causing some of the deadliest
diseases in men are being used as biological weapons. More than 2,000
years ago, Scythian archers used their arrow heads which were dipped in
rotting corpses in order to cause panic amongst people. The tips of
arrowhead caused infections. During World war II, papar bags filled with
plague infested fleas were employed as biological weapons to kill thousands
of people. At that time, well equipped and expensive laboratories were
established to mass produce biological weapons. At present, each and
every nation is facing the threat from biological weapons. People affected
by the biological war have to suffer throughout their life.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) in biological warfare
Using Molecular biology techniques, new combinations of genes were
attempted to create genetically modified organisms (GMO). Some of the
most lethal agents known to have been tested in biological warfare are
anthrax, plague, smallpox and Ebola viruses with viral diseases.
People were aware of the reality that a small group of fanatical
terrorists could easily contaminate the country’s air, water and food with
lethal pathogens or biological toxins.
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Biological warfare
Thus biological warfare introduces issues of pathogenicity, toxicity,
routes of exposure, safety measures and the movement, distribution and
persistence of dangerous biological materials in our environment. In
biological warfare strategies, the genetically engineered microorganisms
are made to spread into the enemy’s territorial environment, with
unpredictable and perhaps catastrophic consequences. The released
dangerous microorganisms ‘upset the balance of nature’.
6.5. Bio-piracy
Countries like America, Japan, United Kingdom, France and Germany
are industrialised nations. These nations are advanced in technology with
financial resources but compared with the Indian sub-continent are poor
in biodiversity and traditional knowledge related to utilisation of flora and
fauna that constitute the bioresources. The clandestine exploitation and
utilisation of bioresources from a country by several organisations and
multinational companies without proper authorisation is known as
Biopiracy. Although the developing nations are not so financially sound,
they are however rich in traditional knowledge and biodiversity.
For a very long period, the tribal people in the remote areas of jungles
as also the people of rural areas have been using certain important herbal
plants for treating certain diseases. Since, the habitations of the tribal
people are surrounded by a variety of plants and animals, they have acquired
a sound knowledge of their uses particularly of their medicinal values.
This knowledge can be exploited to develop commercially important drugs
from the plants. Traditional knowledge has greater utility value as it
saves time, effort and expenditure for their commercialisation.
Multinational companies of the rich nations are collecting and exploiting
the bioresources without any authorization in the following ways:
1. Plants like Catharanthus roseus (Vinca rosea) are exported to
countries as medicinal plants since they possess anticancerous properties.
The companies of the rich nations are interested in the biomolecules present
in the plant. These compounds produced by living organisms are patented
and used for commercial activities. As a result of this, the farmers who
cultivate the crop are being deprived of their rightful claims and
compensations.
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2. The genetic resources of the developing nations are over exploited
by the rich nations. For instance, Basmati rice is a crop grown indigenously
in India from a very long time. In U.S.A the Government had granted a
patent to cover the entire ‘basmati’ rice plant so that other countries or
institutions cannot undertake any other research programmes pertaining
to Basmati plant. In U.S.A, such patents are given for 17 long years.
3. Pentadiplandra brazzeana, a native plant of West Africa, produces
a protein called brazzein. It is several 100 times as sweet as sugar. Local
people use it as a low-calorie sweetener. This development could have
serious implications for sugar exporting countries.
Richer nations are over exploiting the commercial resources of the
developing countries without adequate compensation. With advances in
scientific equipments, instruments and techniques, the biodiversity of the
poor and developing nations of the tropics are overused and exploited by
the rich nations. There is a growing awareness of this over exploitation
and hence the developing countries are enacting legislative laws to prevent
this over exploitation by the rich nations.
6.6. Bio-patent
The emergence of modern biotechnology has brought forth many legal
characterizations and treatment of trade related biotechnological processes
and produces, popularly described as Intellectual Property. Intellectual
Property Protection (IPP) and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are
the two unique facets of any Bio-patency. Intellectual property includes
‘patents’, ‘trade secrets’, ‘copy rights’ and ‘trade marks’ obtained for
processes and products created through one’s own knowledge and research.
The right to protect this property prohibits others from making copying
using or selling these processes and products. In this era of biotechnology,
one of the most important examples of intellectual property is the creation
of organisms containing new recombinant DNA. Another example of
Intellectual property is the new crop varieties, which are protected through
‘Plant Breeder’s Rights’ or PBR’s. The plant breeder who developed
this new variety enjoys the exclusive right for marketing the variety.
Patenting of important crops and animal breeds may bring down a
shortfall in genetic resources. One of the major negative aspects of bio-
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patency is that it may lead to scarcity of genetic resources. In addition,
majority of the people may not have access to certain rare genetic resources
protected by Bio-patency laws.
People argue that giving patent rights to transgenic plants and
transgenic animals is a wrongful idea as these patents will work as
impediments in free exchange of genetic materials for improvement of
crops and livestock.
Intellectual Property Rights may also adversely affect the following:
Food security, use of evolved agricultural practices, biological
diversity and ecological balance and livelihood of the poor in developing countries.
Patents
The Indian Patent Act of 1970 allows process patents, but no product
patents for foods, chemicals drugs and pharmaceuticals. Duration of patent
in India is 5 years. Under USA law, a patent means grant of “right to
exclude others from making, using or selling” an invention for a 17 year
period. To day, many favour the patenting of inventions arising from
basic research. Patents are granted as per the law of the State and are also
disputed in the court of Law whenever complaints of infringement of the
patents are violated by the people. In 1980, the discovery of an oil eating
bacterium (Pseudomonas) by a non-resident Indian Scientist (Dr.
Chakrabarty) was patented in USA by a multinational Corporation.
Similarly, an ‘oncomouse’ was also patented. All this means that life
forms could be patented.
6.7. Sustained agriculture
Increased food production in India was made possible by the
employment of modern technology in agriculture. The increase in the
productivity is mainly due to rapid rise in overall area under cultivation of
cereals. To maintain the crops and productivity, we have to expand
irrigation facilities and use large amounts of fertilizers and pesticides.
This overexploitation had resulted in the degradation of soils and their
erosion. Due to degeneration in soil fertility, the traditional varieties of
crop plants as cultivated in earlier periods got disappeared or are on the
brink of extinction. Our agriculture is slowly being converted into an
unsustainable system in the years to come, as the cost of chemicals and fertilizers,
labour, cost of seeds are going to make the agricultural products costlier.
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This will affect millions of uneducated farmers. Hence, to remedy this
situation, we will have to find alternative permanent arrangements in
sustainable agriculture.
To protect the interest of the farmers on their agricultural lands and
capital investments, sustainable agriculture which is the best source of
alternative method should be compulsorily taken up and practiced by the
traditional farmers. Sustainable agriculture can be carried on without any
threat to our soils, environment, plants and animal communities. Excessive
drainage of our energy and material resources can be considerably saved
and protected when sustainable agriculture is intensively taken up by the
farmers and practiced. This can be achieved by
1. Maintaining a healthy soil community which can automatically
regenerate soil fertility by providing organic manures, increasing fallow
periods, avoiding excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
2. Infusing bio-diversity in agriculture by sowing mixed crops, crop
rotation etc.
3. The use of alternative food sources which may reduce
overdependence to certain crops.
Men are exploiting only few species of crop plants as food and cultivate
only about 15 species of plants as food crops to feed 90 per cent of the
world’s population. There are thousands of species of plants with useful
and edible parts which can serve as a food source for the mankind. This
will widen our resource base on food crops and add sustainability to supplies
by reducing the dependence on a few species. eg. Winged bean which has
high protein and oil. Leaves of Ilex paraguriensis, which can be a substitute
for tea and powdered seeds of Cola nitida instead of coffee.
Farmers should practice ‘organic farming’ so that it will not disturb
the ecosystem of the cultivable area and leads to sustainable yields at low
costs, both to the farmer and to nature. Chemicals, minerals, pesticides
and insecticides are now categorised under non-renewable resource
materials. Therefore, in the long-term strategy, these materials will make
farming non-sustainable and non-productive. Shifting to original and
excessive use of organic manure, rotation of leguminous or nitrogen fixing
crops, use of VAM fungi, transgenic crop and application of biofertilizer
are being encouraged and practiced.
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Sustainable agriculture includes scientific methods of farming that
utilise renewable resources, increase in yield, avoidance of manmade
complex substances known as Xenobiotics which are used as insecticides
and pesticides that cause pollution to soil and environment. Plant tissue
culture and biotechnology also play a major role in this. 50 varieties of
rice and 20 varieties in wheat have been developed in China by using
these new techniques without damaging the environment. New disease
resistant virus free plants and stress resistant plants, are successfully
produced. Similarly, transfer of nif (nitrogen fixing) gene to non-
leguminous crops will improve higher yield. Biotechnology and tissue
culture contributed more to sustainable agriculture by providing
biofertilizer, biopesticides, disease and insect resistant varieties through
creation of transgenic crops, single cell protein, production of valuable
pharmaceutical products and herbal drugs (Ginseng Vinca, Emetine from
Cephalis) by using micropropagation technique.
To conclude Sustainable agriculture is an eco-friendly farming system
associated with production of food while maintaining on biophysical
resources including soil, water, biota with no adverse impacts on the
environment. So it should
1. maintain or improve the production of clean food.
2. maintain or improve the quality of landscape which includes soil,
water, biota and aesthetics
3. have minimal impact on the environment.
4. be economically viable and
5. be acceptable to society.
Sustainable farming uses ecofriendly fertilizers, and pesticides and
modern technologies, such as improved seed, modern equipments for low-
tillage practices, pest control using biological control principles and weed
control that depends on crop rotations. Sustainable farms try to use wind
or solar energy instead of purchased energy and use organic manure and
nitrogen fixing legumes as green manures to maintain soil fertility thereby
reducing supply from outside farms. The emphasis is on maintaining the
environment without causing any pollution.
Organic farming is defined as production systems which avoids the
use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators and livestock feed
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additives. It depends upon crop rotation, crop residues, animal manures,
legumes, green manures, off-farm organic wastes using mechanical
cultivation, biological pest control (biopesticides) to maintain soil
productivity and to supply plant nutrients and to control insects, weeds
and pests.
Self evaluation
1. Which pathogen causes the blast disease of rice?
a. Cercospora personata b. Pyricularia oryzae
c. Xanthomonas citri d. Tungro virus
2. What is the collateral host plant of Pyricularia oryzae?
a. Oryza sativa b. Digitaria marginata
c. Arachis hypogea d. Citrus plant
3. Which pathogen causes Tikka disease of groundnut?
a. Cercospora personata b. Pyricularia oryzae
c. Xanthomonas citri d. Tungro virus
4. What are mutagens?
5. What is genetic engineering?
6. Define biofertilizer.
7. What is bioinsecticide?
8. Explain somatic hybridization.
9. What is disease resistance and disease resistant varieties?
10. Add a note on Plant introduction.
11. Explain polyploid breeding.
12. Give an account of Mycorrhiza.
13. Write the aims of plant breeding.
14. How is genetic engineering employed as a tool in modern crop
improvements?
15. How are crops improved through selection, polyploid breeding
and mutation breeding?
16. Write detailed account on biofertilizers.
17. ‘Sustainable agriculture is an eco-friendly farming system’ -
Discuss.
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6.8. Medicinal plants including microbes
India is endowed with a rich wealth of medicinal plants. From earliest
times mankind has used hundreds of medicinal plants in an attempt to cure
diseases and relieve physical sufferings. They derived this knowledge as
a result of trial and error. Medicinal properties of plants have been
mentioned even in the oldest “Rig Veda”. Medicinal plants are becoming
popular throughout the developed world, as people want to treat illness.
It is estimated that around 70,000 plant species, from lichens to tall
trees, have been used as medicinal plants. 500 plants have been studied in
detail. According to WHO about 25 per cent of prescribed human medicines
are derived from plants. India accounts for nearly 1,100 species used in
different systems of medicines like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, etc. Out of
these, 600 to 700 species are used much in the country. But 95 per cent of
medicinal plants are obtained from wild sources and they are not cultivated
now.
Now, efforts are being made to introduce many of these useful plants
to farmers. Agronomic practices have been developed for growing poppy,
isobgol, cincona, belladona, ergot, etc. Medicinal plants have curative
properties due to presence of various complex chemical substances in
different composition like alkaloids, glycosides, corticosteroids, essential
oils, etc. Nowadays, these medicinally valuable compounds obtained
from the medicinal plants are called ”biomedicines”.
Some of the important medicinal plants and their products are
Morphine, the strongest pain killer obtained from Opium poppy -
Papaver somniferum.
Quinine, antimalarial drug which controls malarial fever is derived
from Cinchona calisaya and C. officinalis.
Digoxin, used to treat heart diseases is obtained from the plant
Digitalis.
Ephedrine, used to treat cough is extracted from the plant Ephedra
sinica.
Mental and physical stress relaxing drug is obtained from the plant
ginseng – Panax ginseng.
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COMMONLY AVAILABLE MEDICINAL PLANTS
1. Acalypha indica
It belongs to Euphorbiaceae. The vernacular name of A. indica in
tamil is kuppaimeni, poonamayakki and its trade name is Indian Acalypha.
It is a common herb growing upto 75 cm tall with ovate leaves. Flowers
are green, unisexual found in catkin inflorescence.
The paste obtained from the leaves of this plant is applied to burns.
The juice extracted from the leaves, mixed with lime and applied on skin
to cure diseases caused by ringworms. Fresh juice of leaves mixed with
oil and salt is used for Rheumatoid arthritis and to cure scabies. Powdered
leaves are used to cure bedsores and infected wounds. The active medicinal
compounds like Acalyphine and Triacetoneamine are extracted from this
plant. They contain cyanogenic glucoside and alkaloids.
2. Aegle marmelos
It belongs to Rutaceae. The vernacular name of A. marmelos in
tamil, is vilvam. It’s trade name is baer fruit. It is an aromatic tree
growing 6 to 7.5 metres tall with long branches. Bark is grey with peeling
type. Leaves are trifoliate or pentafoliate. Leaflets are ovate. Flowers
are sweet scented with greenish white in colour and are borne on axillary
panicles. Marmelosin, coumarin and triterpenoids are responsible for
medicinal activity.
The unripe fruit is used to treat problems of stomach indigestion. It
kills intestinal parasites. It is used also to cure chronic diarrhoea and
dysentery. It is used as a tonic for the betterment of heart and brain.
3. Cissus quadrangularis
It belongs to Vitaceae. The vernacular name of C. quadrangularis in
tamil is as pirandai and its trade name is ‘Hadjor’ – bone joiner. It is a
common shrub with tendrils. Its stem is angular, winged and contracted
at nodes. Leaves are simple, ovate or kidney shaped and thick leathery.
Coiled tendrils are found opposite to the leaves. Steroids like prescene
and tetracyclic triterpenoids are the active chemicals present in this plant.
The paste obtained from the powdered stem and root of this plant is
used in bone fractures. Whole plant is useful to treat asthma and stomach
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troubles. Stem is useful in the treatment of piles and its juice is used to
treat bleeding of nose.
4. Mimosa pudica
It belongs to Mimosaceae. The vernacular name of M. pudica in
tamil is ‘Thottal chinungi or Thottal surungi’. Its common english name
is Touch-Me-Not plant. It is a small herb with prickles which are erect or
curved. Leaflets are arranged in two rows containing 15 to 20 pairs.
Leaves are sensitive to touch. Flowers are pink and found in axillary
heads.
A decoction of the root obtained from this plant is used to relieve
asthma and diarrhoea. This plant is also useful for curing piles, minor
skin wounds and whooping cough. Mimosine, an alkaloid is extracted
from this plant.
5. Solanum nigrum
It belongs to Solanaceae. The vernacular name of S. nigrum in tamil
is manithakkali or manathakkali. Its trade name is black night shade. It
is an annual, erect, much branched and unarmed herb growing upto one
metre tall. Leaves are ovate without hairs. Flowers white borne on extra
axillary cymes. Fruits are globose and black coloured berry.
The extract of this herb is effective in the treatment of liver disorders
like cirrhosis of liver. This plant also cures fever, dysentery and promotes
urination. Active medicinal compounds like solanin and saponin are
extracted from this plant.
Microbes in medicine
Microbes like bacteria and fungi produce antibiotics. The substance
produced by a living organism, which inhibits the growth and metabolic
activities of pathogenic organisms (mostly bacteria) without affecting the
metabolism of host is called an antibiotic. Penicillin, streptomycin,
aureomycin and chloromycetin are some of the examples for antibiotics.
Penicillin is a well known antibiotic obtained from the blue green mold
called Penicillium notatum. When it is grown in culture medium, the mycelium
excretes an antibiotic substance called penicillin. The crude penicillin is
recovered, purified and dehydrated. It is effective against gram-positive
bacteria like Pneumonia bacteria. Streptomycin is obtained from the
filamentous bacterium, Streptomyces griseus, an actinomycetes. It cures
254
urinary infections, tuberculosis, meningitis and pneumonia. Aureomycin
is obtained from actinomycetes, Streptomyces aureofaciens. It is used as
a medicine in the osteomyelitis, whooping cough and eye infections.
Chloromycetin is obtained from the actinomycete, Streptomyces
venezuelae. It kills bacillus form of bacteria and cures typhoid fever.
Aspergillus fumigatus produces antibiotic which is used against typhoid
and dysentery. Other group of microorganism like bacteria is also known
to produce many antibiotics. Bacillus subtilis produces 60 different
antibiotics. Bacitracin is an antibiotic obtained from Bacillus licheniformis
and it is used to treat syphilis. It is useful in the control of sugar for
persons suffering from diabetes. Through genetic manipulation, and
introduction of human gene for insulin production, the bacterium E. coli
is articulated to produce human insulin called “humulin”.
6.9. Economic importance
Many plants are economically important and useful to mankind in
several ways. Based on their utility, they are broadly classified as food
plants, fibre plants, oil plants and timber plants. Now, we will discuss
some of the economically important plants for each category.
Food plant – Rice
Its binomial is Oryza sativa. It belongs to Poaceae. It is the most
important cereal of tropical climate. This plant is an annual grass. The
inflorescence is panicle containing a number of branches, each terminating
in a single grain. IR – 8, ponni, kannagi, kavery, ganga, etc. are some of
the recent varieties cultivated in India.
Rice is the chief source of carbohydrates. Polished rice is less nutritive.
Straw is used as livestock feed. In Japan, alcoholic beverages are also
distilled from the grains of rice. Recently, from the husk of paddy, a
cooking (rice bran oil) oil is extracted. Now, bio-diesel is obtained from
rice bran oil.
Rice is the major food of half of the world’s population. Particularly
in the eastern hemisphere it is the staple food. Rice cultivation is the only
source of income for majority of people in our country. The uses of rice
are many.
255
Economic importance
Parched rice (pori) is crisp to eat. It is sold either salted or unsalted.
The flattened parboiled rice is known as flaked rice. Like corn flakes,
it is a very good break fast food. Flaked rice is also used for prepar-
ing different kinds of food items.
Sake is an important alcoholic beverage in Japan. Sake is prepared
by the fermentation of rice.
Bran is an important by-product of rice milling industry. It is used as
a cattle feed.
Bran oil is extracted either by expression in a hydraulic press or
extra-ction with solvents. Bran oil is used as edible oil and for
preparation of vanaspathi, making soaps. It is also used in the textile
industry, leather industry.
Bran wax is a by-product in bran-oil extraction. It is used in chocolate
industry and in the manufacture of lip-sticks.
Paddy husk is used as fuel, in brick kilns. It is also used in brick
making.
Straw is used as cattle feed, in the manufacture of straw-boards and
for making hats, ropes, mats, etc.
Oil plant – Groundnut
Its binomial is Arachis hypogea. It belongs to Fabaceae. It is an
annual. The word groundnut derives its name from the fact that its fruits
ripe beneath the ground.
The roasted seeds are edible. Oil is extracted from the seeds and used
as fine cooking medium. Vegetable ghee (peanut butter) is also prepared
from this oil. The oil cake is fed to the livestock. It is rich in fatty acids
and proteins.
Economic importance
Groundnut oil is one of the important edible oils. It is extensively used in
cookery as a salad oil. It is used for the manufacture of vanaspathi.
Groundnut kernel is rich and cheap source of vegetable protein.
Kernels are eaten, fried and salted and added to a number of dishes.
Peanut butter is prepared by grinding roasted and blanched kernels.
It is nutritious.
256
Groundnut oil is used to a limited extent in soap making.
Oil is used as illuminant, lubricant.
Oil cake is used as animal feed and organic manure.
Groundnut shell is used in the manufacture of activated carbon.
The groundnut cake is a good cattle feed. The plant after removing
the pod, both dried and fresh is a good cattle feed.
Fibre plant - Cotton
Many members of Malvaceae yield fibres. Gossypium barbadense
(Egyptian cotton) and G. hirsutum are some examples for fibre plants.
The seed coat of cotton seeds produce fibres on their external surface. So,
it is called as surface fibre.
Almost the entire textile industry depends on this fibre. Cotton is
used in stuffing the pillows and cushions. It is also used in making rubber
tyres, carpets, blankets and cordages are made from cotton.
Economic importance
It is a cash crop.
It gives three important products: fibre, food and cattle feed.
Lint fibre is for clothing which is very much useful in the textile
industries.
Seed is used for extracting oil. This is also used as vanaspathi.
Cotton flour prepared from the seed is used for bread and biscuit
making.
Cotton seed cake is used as a good organic manure.
Fatty acids obtained from oil is used in the preparation of insecticide,
fungicidies and plastics, etc.
Timber yielding plant – Teak
Its binomial is Tectona grandis. It belongs to Verbenaceae. It is large
deciduous tree and shows resistance to termites. Sap wood is white and
heart wood is green emitting fragrance. The timber retains its fragrance
for a long time. It is hard , durable and strong and also takes up good
polishing.
In India, it is used for making furnitures, buildings, cardboards,
railway sleepers, etc. Ships and bridges are also made from this timber.
257
Economic importance
Teak wood is durable and it is an important timber in the tropics. As
the seasoned teak, timber does not shrink, crack or alter its shape, it
is extensively used in making household furnitures.
It is also used in ship building, boats, etc.
It is used for interior decoration.
It is used for the manufacture of boards.
Self evaluation
1. Acalyphine is extracted from
a. Acalypha indica b. Aegle marmelos
c. Cissus quadrangularis d. Mimosa pudica
2. Binomial of ‘vilvum’ is
a. Acalypha indica b. Aegle marmelos
c. Cissus quadrangularis d. Mimosa pudica
3. Define biomedicine.
4. Write the medicinal value of Aegle marmelos.
5. Write the medicinal uses of Solanum nigrum.
6. What is humulin?
7. Write short notes on microbes in medicine.
8. Bring out the economic importance of teak.
9. Write a brief account on groundnut.
10. Write the economic importance of rice.
Reference
1. Diseases of crop plants of India by G. Rangaswami, Practice Hall of
India, 1966.
2. A Textbook of economic botany by Sambamoorthy and Subramaniam,
1989.
3. Economic botany - Plants in the world by Sompson, Conner and
Ogorzaly, 1986.
258

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BOTANY

Higher Secondary Second Year

This book has been prepared by the Directorate of School Education

This book has been printed on 60 GSM paper

3. Cell biology and genetics

5. Economic importance of plants

3. CELL BIOLOGY AND GENETICS 110

5. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 168

6. BIOLOGY IN HUMAN WELFARE 230

Ecotype is the basic unit in biosystematics, adapted to a

The informations obtained from the above mentioned studies were

Sub-class 1 Sub-class 2 Sub-class 3

Series (iii) Calyciflorae Series (iii) Bicarpellatae

Outline of Bentham and Hooker’s classificiation of plants

T.S. of ovary Floral diagram

Calyx Standard petal

Fig. 1.4 Clitoria ternatea Floral diagram

I . Choose and write the correct options.

Br., Brl., , , K(4), C(4), A4, G(2)

A twig L.S. of Flower

Br., Brl., , , K(4), C(4), A4, G(2) Floral diagram

Fig. 1.5. Ixora coccinea

A twig L.S. of head L.S. of disc floret

Floral diagram of disc floret Floral diagram of ray floret

Fig. 1.6. Tridax procumbens

Ligulate or ray florets

T.S. of ovary Floral diagram

Floral formula : Br., Ebrl., ⊕ , , K(5), C(5), A5, G (2)

Botanical description of Ricinus communis

L.S. of Female flower

Br., Ebrl., ⊕, , P(5), A∝, G0. Br., Ebrl.,⊕, + , P (3), A 0, G (3).

Fig. 1.8. Ricinus communis

Pseudostem Spathe Stamen

Carpel Stamens ⊗ Gynoecium

Floral formula : Bisexual flower

Br., Ebrl., ⊗ , , P(3+2)+1, A 3+3, G(3).

Fig. 1.9. Musa paradisiaca

Male flower Female flower L.S. of female flower

Floral diagram of male flower Floral diagram of female flower

Fig. 2.1. L.S of shoot - showing the positions of meristems

Aerenchyma Palisade parenchyma

Cell wall Vacuole

Angular collenchyma Lacunae

Branched pits Lignified

Macro sclereids Osteo sclereid A fibre

Annular Spiral Scalariform Reticulate Pitted

Tracheid Xylem fibre

Fig. 2.6. Kinds of xylem cells

conducting elements in angiosperms and they are absent in pteridophytes

Phloem is composed of four kinds of cells: sieve elements, companion

Lower Unicellular Branched multi- Rhizodermal

Open vascular Closed vascular Radial

Monocot roots Dicot roots

Primary medullary ray

First annual ring

Second annual ring

Fig 2.17 Secondary growth in dicot stem

Fig. 2.18 Secondary growth in a two-year old dicot stem

This region is called