SEMESTER-V

BSC. (HONS.) BOTANY

DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC CORE COURSE – 13: Molecular Biology of the Cell

CREDIT DISTRIBUTION, ELIGIBILITY AND PRE-REQUISITES OF THE COURSE

Course Credits Credit distribution of the course Eligibility Pre-
title & Lecture Tutorial Practical/ criteria requisite of
Code Practice the course
(if any)
Molecular 4 2 0 2 Class XII Nil
Biology of pass with
the Cell – Biology/
Biotechnolog
DSC 13 y

Learning Objective:

● To gain comprehensive knowledge about of genetic material, central dogma, genetic code,
DNA replication, transcription, modification of transcript, translation and regulation of
gene expression.

Learning Outcomes:At the end of this course the student will understand:

1. structure and function of nucleic acids at molecular level.

2. the concept of central dogma and genetic code.
3. molecular details of DNA replication and its types.
4. cellular processes of transcription and translation including modification of transcripts
and polypeptides/proteins
5. mechanisms regulating gene expression.

Unit 1: Nucleic acids as carriers of genetic information 02 Hours

Discovery of nucleic acids, Experiments that established nucleic acids (DNA & RNA) as the
carrier of genetic information: Griffith’s, Hershey & Chase, Avery, McLeod & McCarty, and
Fraenkel-Conrat’s experiment.

Unit 2: Structure and organisation of the genetic material 03 Hours

DNA double helix structure (Chargaff’s rule; Watson and Crick model); salient features of
DNA double helix. Types of DNA: A, B & Z conformations, denaturation and renaturation
(only melting profile- Tm), types of RNA (mRNA, rRNA, tRNA, small RNAs). split genes
(Phillip Sharp)

Unit 3: Central Dogma and Genetic Code 04 Hours

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Beadle and Tatum’s one gene one enzyme hypothesis; The Central Dogma, Genetic code and
its salient features, Experiments for deciphering Genetic code (Experiments by Nirenberg
&Matthaei, and Har Gobind Khorana). Adaptor hypothesis by Crick; Baltimore and Temin’s
discovery of reverse transcription

Unit 4: Replication of DNA 06 Hours

Delbruck’s Dispersive mechanism model; Bloch and Butler’s conservative replication model;
Messelson and Stahl’s semi-conservative replication model; Mechanism - initiation,
elongation and termination; Enzymes and other proteins involved in DNA replication;
General principles – bidirectional, semiconservative and semi-discontinuous replication
(Replisome), RNA priming (Primase &Primosome); Various modes of DNA replication,
including rolling circle, θ (theta) mode of replication, replication of linear dsDNA.
Replication of the 5’end of linear chromosome (end-replication problem & Telomerase).

Unit 5: Mechanism of Transcription 05 Hours

Transcription process in prokaryotes (Initiation, Elongation and Termination); structure and
function of RNA polymerase enzyme; concept of promoters and transcription factors;
comparison between prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcription; concept of post-transcriptional
modifications (introduction to eukaryotic mRNA processing: 5' capping; Splicing and
alternative splicing; 3' poly A tailing).

Unit 6: Mechanism of Translation 05 Hours

Translation in prokaryotes: Initiation, Elongation and Termination; concept of charging of
tRNA and role of aminoacyl synthetases; ribosome structure and assembly (prokaryotes and
eukaryotes); comparison between prokaryotic and eukaryotic translation; post-translational
modifications (phosphorylation, glycosylation).

Unit 7: Gene Regulation 05 Hours

Gene regulation in prokaryotes: Operon concept; inducible & repressible systems; regulation
of lactose metabolism in E. coli (inducible system, positive & negative control); regulation of
tryptophan synthesis (Repression-De-repression and concept of Attenuation) in E. coli. Gene
regulation in eukaryotes: concept of gene silencing by DNA methylation and RNA
interference.

Practicals 60 hours

1. Isolation of plasmid and genomic DNA from E. coli and quantification using agarose
gel electrophoresis
2. Isolation of genomic DNA from plant samples (atleast two different genera / species)
using CTAB method and quantification using agarose gel electrophoresis
3. Quantification of unknown DNA by diphenylamine reagent (colorimetry).

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 4. To estimate the generation time of Escherichia coli (prokaryote) and budding yeast
(eukaryote) by spectrophotometric measurement and plotting growth curve as an
indirect method to study DNA replication
5. To study control of replication in budding yeast with the help of specific inhibitors
(beta-lactams:-Clavulanic acid, Ceftazidime, Piperacillin, Ceftriaxone etc) and
studying budding frequency.
6. To study control of transcription in Escherichia coli with the help of prokaryotic
(Rifampicin) and eukaryotic (Actinomycin-D) transcription inhibitors and plotting
growth curve
7. To study control of translation in Escherichia coli with the help of prokaryotic
(Kanamycin / Streptomycin) inhibitors using an IPTG-inducible system.
8. To understand the regulation of lactose (lac) operon (positive & negative regulation)
and tryptophan (trp) operon (Repression and De-repression & Attenuation) through
digital resources/data sets.

Suggestive readings:

1. William S. Klug, Michael R. Cummings, Charlotte A. Spencer, Michael A. Palladino,

& Darrell Killian (2019). Concepts of Genetics. Pearson; 12th edition.
2. Watson J.D., Baker, T.A., Bell, S.P., Gann, A., Levine, M., Losick, R. (2007).
Molecular Biology of the Gene, Pearson Benjamin Cummings, CSHL Press, New
York, U.S.A. 6th edition.
3. Snustad, D.P. and Simmons, M.J. (2019). Principles of Genetics. John Wiley, 7th
edition.
4. Russell, P. J. (2010). iGenetics- A Molecular Approach. Benjamin Cummings, U.S.A.
3rd edition.

Additional Resources:

1. Griffiths, A.J.F., John Doebley J., Peichel, C., Wassarman D.A. (2020). Introduction
to Genetic Analysis. W H Freeman & Co; 12th edition
2. Micklos D A., Freyer G.A. (2003) DNA Science: A First Course (2nd Edition), Cold
Spring Harbor Laboratory; Greg A., CSHL Press, USA

Note: Examination scheme and mode shall be as prescribed by the Examination

Branch, University of Delhi, from time to time.

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 DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC CORE COURSE – 14: Reproductive Biology of Angiosperms

CREDIT DISTRIBUTION, ELIGIBILITY AND PRE-REQUISITES OF THE

COURSE
Course title Credits Credit distribution of the Eligibility criteria Pre-
& Code course requisite
Lecture Tutorial Practical/ of the
Practice course
(if any)
Reproductive 4 2 0 2 Class XII pass Nil
Biology of with Biology/
Angiosperms Biotechnology
– DSC 14

Learning Objectives:

● To understand the scope of reproductive biology, development and structure of male

and female reproductive units of the flower, organization of male and female
gametophytes, pre-fertilization, fertilization and post-fertilization events.
● To understand the processes and significance of pollen--pistil interactions, apomixis
and polyembryony.
● Significance of seed as a diaspore.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the course, the students will become familiar with:

● The significance and scope of reproductive biological studies in crop production and
conservation. Structure and function of anther and ovule, male and female
gametophyte.
● The significance of associations of MGU, FGU and double fertilization; embryo and
endosperm development, genomic imprinting.
● Pollination and seed dispersal mechanisms, apomixis and polyembryony as alternate
pathways of angiosperm reproduction.
● Experiential learning through field trips, scientific photography, videography and
documentary preparation. The students will also learn to write scientific reports and
present scientific data.

Unit 1: Introduction 01 Hour

Introduction about Reproductive biology and its scope; significant contributors to the field;
structure of flower.

Unit 2: Anther and Pollen 05 Hours

Anther wall: Structure and functions, microsporogenesis, microgametogenesis; Pollen wall:
Structure and functions, Number Position Character (NPC), pollen viability and storage, Male
Germ Unit (MGU) – structure and significance.

Unit 3: Pistil 04 Hours

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General structure and types of pistil and ovules; megasporogenesis (monosporic, bisporic and
tetrasporic) and megagametogenesis (details of Polygonum type); Organization and
ultrastructure of mature embryo sac; cell specification; Female Germ Unit – structure and
significance.

Unit 4: Pollination 04 Hours

Types (Self, cross, geitonogamy, xenogamy), significance; Structure of the stigma and style;
Pollen-pistil interactions- capture, adhesion, hydration, pollen tube penetration; Path of pollen
tube in the pistil; Role of synergids in pollen tube attraction; Double fertilization; Polytubey
block

Unit 5: Self-Incompatibility 04 Hours

Basic concepts (interspecific, intraspecific, homomorphic, heteromorphic, GSI and SSI);
Methods to overcome self-incompatibility (in brief): mixed-pollination, intraovarian and in
vitro pollination and fertilization, modification of stigma surface, parasexual hybridization.

Unit 6: Endosperm 02 Hours

Types (2 examples each), development, structure and functions; Genomic imprinting

Unit 7: Embryo 04 Hours

General pattern and comparison of development of dicot and monocot embryo (initial apical
cell and basal cell polarity, globular embryo with radial polarity, mature embryo); Suspensor:
structure and functions; Embryo-endosperm relationship; Nutrition of embryo, haustorial
systems: Embryo patterning.

Unit 8: Seed 02 Hours

Structure and importance of seed as diaspore, as storage organ; germination and seedling
formation.

Units 9: Polyembryony and apomixis 02 Hours

Introduction, types, causes and applications.

Unit 10. Applications of Reproductive biology 02 Hours

Haploid embryos - concept and significance; crop productivity, conservation

Practicals 60 hours

● Anther: Wall and its ontogeny, tapetum (amoeboid and glandular), Microspore mother
cell, spore tetrads, uninucleate, bicelled and dehisced anther; Temporary stained
mounts of T.S. anther to study the organization.

● Pollen: General morphology, psuedomonads, polyads, pollinia (slides/digital

resources, fresh material); Ultrastructure of pollen wall (micrograph); Pollen viability:
tetrazolium test/FDA; Germination: calculation of percentage germination in different
media using hanging drop/sitting method.

● Temporary mounts of pollen grains cleared with 1N HCl/KOH to study germ pores;
Ultrastructure of male germ unit (MGU) through micrographs.

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 ● Ovule: Types-anatropous, orthotropous, amphitropous/campylotropous,
circinotropous, unitegmic, bitegmic; tenuinucellate and crassinucellate; Special
structures: endothelium, obturator, hypostase, caruncle and aril (permanent
slides/specimens/digital resources).
Female gametophyte: developmental sequence of monosporic embryo sac only;
Ultrastructure of Female Germ Unit.

● Pollination: Adaptations; bagging experiment; **project on pollination.

● Intra-ovarian pollination; Test tube pollination (through digital resources).

● Endosperm: Dissections of developing seeds for endosperm with free-nuclear

haustoria.
● Embryogenesis: Study of development of dicot embryo through permanent slides;
dissection of developing seeds for embryos at various developmental stages; Study of
suspensor through electron micrographs.

● Seed dispersal mechanisms (adaptations through live specimens), **project on seed

dispersal

** The projects can be on pollination/ seed dispersal or on any other topic based on the
syllabus. It can be a write-up with visuals. The students can also make a digital project
submission in the form of a documentary of 5-10 min.

Suggested Readings:
● Bhojwani S.S., Bhatnagar S.P. & Dantu P.K. (2015). The Embryology of
Angiosperms, 6th Edition. By VIKAS PUBLISHING HOUSE. ISBN: 978-93259-
8129-4.
● P. Maheshwari, (2004). An introduction to the embryology of Angiosperms. Tata
McGraw-Hill Edition, ISBN: 0-07-099434-X.
● Johri, B.M. (1984). Embryology of Angiosperms. Netherlands: Springer-Verlag.
ISBN: 13:978-3-642-69304-5
● Raghavan, V. (2000). Developmental Biology of Flowering plants. Netherlands:
Springer. ISBN: 978-1-4612-7054-6.
● Shivanna, K.R. (2003). Pollen Biology and Biotechnology. New Delhi, Delhi: Oxford
and IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd.
● Mangla,Y., Khanduri, P., Gupta, C.K. 2022. Reproductive Biology of Angiosperms:
Concepts and Methods.Cambridge University Press ISBN 978-1-009-16040-7.
● Tandon R, Shivanna KR, Koul M Reproductive Ecology of Flowering Plants: Patterns
and Processes 1st ed. 2020 Edition ISBN 978-9811542091.Springer Verlag
● Kapoor, R., Kaur, I. Koul M.2016. Plant Reproductive Biology and Conservation IK
International Publishing House Ltd. India ISBN: 9789382332909

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Additional Resources:

● Shivanna, K.R., Tandon, R. (2020). Reproductive Ecology of Flowering Plants: A

Manual. Springer (India) Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi, Heidelberg, New York, Dordrecht,
London
● Shivanna, K. R., & Rangaswamy, N. S. (2012). Pollen biology: a laboratory manual.
Springer Science & Business Media.

Note: Examination scheme and mode shall be as prescribed by the Examination

Branch, University of Delhi, from time to time.

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 DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC CORE COURSE – 15: Plant Physiology

CREDIT DISTRIBUTION, ELIGIBILITY AND PRE-REQUISITES OF THE COURSE

Course title Credits Credit distribution of the Eligibility criteria Pre-
& Code course requisite
Lecture Tutorial Practical/ of the
Practice course
(if any)
Plant 4 2 0 2 Class XII pass Nil
Physiology – with Biology/
DSC 15 Biotechnology

Learning objective:

7. To introduce the basic principles of plant structure and function and its application in
related fields.

Learning outcomes: On completion of the course the students will be able to:

8. understand the structure and function of plants

9. comprehend and compare various tissue systems in plants and their role
10. realise the importance of water, soil and atmosphere in the life of organisms
11. appreciate the ability of plants to sense the environment and adapt
12. interpret and evaluate the significance of regulator molecules in controlling life forms
13. apply the principles of plant physiology to solve problems in related fields

Unit 1: Plant-water relations 04 Hours

Water potential and its components, water absorption by roots, water movement via symplast,
apoplast and aquaporins, root pressure, guttation, ascent of sap, cohesion-tension theory,
transpiration, factors affecting transpiration, anti-transpirants

Unit 2: Mineral nutrition 04 Hours

Essential and beneficial elements, macro- and micro-elements, criteria for essentiality, roles
of essential elements, chelating agents, phytosiderophores, mineral nutrition in hydroponics
and aeroponics.

Unit 3: Nutrient uptake 05 Hours

Transport of ions across cell membrane, passive absorption, simple and facilitated diffusion
(carrier and channel proteins), Fick’s law, active absorption, proton ATPase pump,
electrochemical gradient, ion flux, uniport, co-transport (symport, antiport)

Unit 4: Translocation in the phloem 03 Hours

Composition of phloem sap, phloem loading and unloading, Pressure-Flow Model, source-
sink relationship

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Unit 5: Plant growth regulators 08 Hours
Chemical nature (basic structure, precursor), physiological roles, bioassays and applications
of Auxins, Gibberellins, Cytokinins, Abscisic Acid, Ethylene; Other growth regulators -
Jasmonic Acid, Brassinosteroids, Nitric Oxide. Mechanism of action of Auxin. Introduction
to interactions among plant growth regulators.

Unit 6: Physiology of photo-sensory molecules 03 Hours

Discovery, chemical nature, mode of action and role of phytochrome, cryptochrome and
phototropin in photomorphogenesis

Unit 7: Physiology of flowering 02 Hours

Concept of florigen, photoperiodism, CO-FT Model of flowering, vernalization.

Unit 8: Seed dormancy 01 hour

Seed dormancy -causes and methods to induce and/or overcome dormancy
Practicals 60 Hours

9. Determination of osmotic potential of plant cell sap by plasmolytic method.

10. Determination of water potential of potato tuber cells by weight method.
11. Determination of water potential of potato tuber cells by falling drop method.
12. Study of effect of light on the rate of transpiration in excised leafy twig.
13. Calculation of stomatal index and stomatal frequency from the lower surface of leaves of
a mesophyte and a xerophyte.
14. To calculate the area of an open stoma and percentage of leaf area open through stomata
in a mesophyte and a xerophyte (lower surface).
15. To study the effect of different concentrations of ABA on stomatal closure.
16. To study the effect of light and dark on seed germination.
17. To study induction of amylase activity in germinating barley grains.
18. To study the effect of ethylene on fruit ripening.
19. To study the effect of auxin on rooting.

Suggested Readings:

6. Hopkins, W. G., Huner, N. P. A. (2009). Introduction to Plant Physiology, 4th edition.

New Delhi, Delhi: Wiley India Pvt. Ltd.
7. Taiz, L., Zeiger, E., Moller, I. M., Murphy, A. (2018). Plant Physiology and
Development, 6th edition. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, Sinauer
Associates.
8. Kochhar, S.L., Gujral, S.K. (2020). Plant Physiology: Theory and Applications. New
Delhi, Delhi: Foundation Books, 2ndEdn. Cambridge University Press India Pvt, Ltd.

Additional Resources:
● Bajracharya, D. (1999). Experiments in Plant Physiology: A Laboratory Manual. New
Delhi, Delhi: Narosa Publishing House.
● Bhatla, S.C., Lal, M.A. (2018). Plant Physiology, Development and Metabolism.
Singapore: Springer Nature, Singapore Pvt. Ltd.
Note: Examination scheme and mode shall be as prescribed by the Examination
Branch, University of Delhi, from time to time.

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 DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVES (BOT-DSE-06)

Credit distribution, Eligibility and Pre-requisites of the Course

Course title & Credits Credit distribution of the course Eligibility Pre-
Code Lecture Tutorial Practical/ criteria requisite of
Practice the course
Natural 4 2 0 2 Class XII Nil
Resource pass with
Management Biology/
Biotechn
BOT-DSE-06 ology

Learning Objectives:

● Natural Resources are materials from earth which support life and significantly meet the
needs of people. The paper aims to describe the different types of natural resources and
their management. Students will study about the importance of each natural resource and
how and why they are threatened in current times. They will also be taught about
sustainably using our resources

Learning outcomes: At the end of this course, students will be able to:

13. understand the different resources available in nature

14. learn the importance of each resource along with the threats to these resources
15. gain an in-depth understanding of management of these resources and also restoration of
natural ecosystems
16. study the importance of sustainable practices
17. gain an insight into various initiatives taken the world over to save our natural resources.
18. understand the concept of clean energy and management of waste

Unit 1: Natural Resources 01 Hours

Definition, fundamental concepts and types

Unit 2: Sustainable Utilization 04 Hours

Concept, goals, approaches (economic, ecological, socio-cultural)

Unit 3: Land Resources 06 Hours

Forests (definition, threats, management); Agricultural practices and their impact; Soil
degradation (causes, management and remediation/restoration strategies)

Unit 4: Water Resources 04 Hours

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Freshwater, Marine, Estuarine, Wetlands – Threats and Management

Unit 5: Biological Resources 03 Hours

Biodiversity – Levels, Significance, Threats, Management

Unit 6: Energy 02 Hours

Clean energy strategies – Solar, Wind, Hydro, Tidal, Geo-thermal, Bio-energy

Unit 7: Climate Change 04 Hours

Impact, adaptation and mitigation (Land, Soil, Water, Biodiversity, Air)

Unit 8: Contemporary practices 04 Hours

EIA, GIS, Energy Audits, Waste Management, Ecosystem Restoration, Carbon footprint

Unit 9: National and International Initiatives 02 Hours

International Solar Alliance; Ramsar Convention; Basel Convention; Carbon Neutral Goals; Net-
zero Coalition; Clean Development Mechanism; CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund
Management and Planning Authority); Carbon Credits; REDD+ project, Renewable Energy
Certificates

Practicals 60 hours

5. Comparison of pH (pH meter) and salinity (Electrical Conductivity) of various soil

samples.
6. Comparison of field capacity of various soil samples.
7. Comparison of pH (pH meter) and TDS (TDS meter) of various water samples.
8. Comparison of salinity (titrimetric method) of various water samples.
9. Calculation and comparison of BOD and COD of various water samples from given data.
10. Comparison of species diversity in various communities by Shannon-Wiener Index.
11. Measurement of dominance of woody species by DBH method in the college campus.
12. Project (any one of the following):
6. Rainwater harvesting (site visit)
7. Ecological restoration (site visit)
8. Energy audit
9. Seed germination and seedling growth in garden and contaminated soils
10. Composting
11. Any other
13. Field visit/s to any degraded ecosystem (landfill, polluted water body, invaded forest) or
any ongoing restoration project site.
Suggestive readings:

● Vasudevan, N. (2006). Essentials of Environmental Science. New Delhi, India: Narosa

Publishing House.
● Singh, J. S., Singh, S.P. and Gupta, S.R. (2006). Ecology, Environment and Resource

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 Conservation. New Delhi, India: Anamaya Publications.
● Rogers, P.P., Jalal, K.F. and Boyd, J.A. (2008). An Introduction to Sustainable
Development. New Delhi, India: Prentice Hall of India Private Limited.

Additional resource:

10. https://moef.gov.in/en/division/forest-divisions-2/campa/compensatory-afforestation-
fund-management-and-planning-authority-campa/
11. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/net-zero-coalition
12. https://www.recregistryindia.nic.in/
13. https://static.investindia.gov.in/National%20Policy%20on%20Biofuels.pdf
14. https://cri.nccf.in/
15. https://www.investindia.gov.in/team-india-blogs/carbon-financing-india
16. https://www.un-redd.org/
17. Ecosystem Restoration for People, Nature and
Climate https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/36251/ERPNC.pdf
18. Managing Ecosystems In The Context Of Climate Change Mitigation: A review of
current knowledge and recommendations to support ecosystem-based mitigation actions
that look beyond terrestrial forests https://www.cbd.int/doc/publications/cbd-ts-86-en.pdf
19. Jordan III, W. R., Gilpin, M. E., Aber, J. D. (1987). Restoration Ecology: a synthetic
approach to ecological research. Cambridge, Great Britain: Cambridge University Press.

Note: Examination scheme and mode shall be as prescribed by the Examination Branch,
University of Delhi, from time to time.

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