M.Sc. PREVIOUS



Paper-I : CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS
Paper-II : CYTOLOGY, GENETICS AND CYTOGENETICS
Paper-III : BILOGY AND DIVERSITY OF LOWER PLANTS : CRYPTOGAMS
Paper-IV : TAXONOMY AND DIVERSITY OF SEED PLANTS
Paper-V : PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND METABOLISM
Paper-VI : MICROBIOLOGY AND PLANT PHYSIOLOGY


Paper-I : CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS


Scheme of Examination
Max. Marks : 100 Time : 3 hrs.

Each paper will have 9 questions, out of which a student has to attempt 5 questions including the question, No.1 which will be compulsory. The question No.1 will carry 20 marks and will be of several short objective type of questions such as multiple choice type, one line answer type, one word type and fill in the blanks type.

The dynamic cell :Structural organization of the plant cell, specialized plant cell types, chemical foundation, biochemical energetics.
Cell wall :Structure and functions, biogenesis, growth.
Plasma membrane :Structure, models and functions, sites for ATPases, ion carriers, channels and pumps, receptors.
Plasmodesmata :Structure, role in movement of molecules and macromolecules, comparison with gap junctions.
Chloroplast :Structure, genome organization, gene expression, RNA editing, nucleochloroplastic interactions.
Mitochondria :Structure, genome organization, biogenesis.
Plant vacuole :Tonoplast membrane, ATPase, transporters, as storage organelle.
Nucleus :Structure, nuclear pores, nucleosome organization, DNA structure, A, B and Z forms, replication, damage and repair, transcription, plant promoters and transcription factors, splicing, mRNA transport, nucleolous, rRNA biosynthesis.
Restriction enzymes :Cleavage of DNA into specific fragments, construction of a restriction map from the fragements, restriction sites, as genetic markers, RFLP and their use in plant breeding.
Ribosomes :Structure, site of protein synthesis, mechanism of translation, initiation, elongation and termination, structure and role of tRNA.
Protein sorting :Targeting of proteins to organelles.
Cell shape and motility : The cytoskeleton, organization and role of microtubules and microfilaments, motor movements, implications in flagellar and other movements.
Cell cycle and apoptosis :Control mechanisms, role of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases, retinoblastoma and E2F proteins, cytokinesis and cell plate formation, mechanisms of programmed cell death.
Other Cellular organelles :Structure and functions of microbodies, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum.
Techniques in cell biology :Immunotechniques, in situ hybridization to locate transcripts in cell types, FISH, GISH, confocal microscopy.

Suggested Readings :
  1. Lewis, B. 2000. Genes VII. Oxford Univcrsity Press, New York.
  2. Alberts, B., Bray, D., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K. and Watson, J.D. 1999. Molecular Biology of the Cell. Garland Publishing, lnc., New York.
  3. Wolfe, S.L. 1993. Molecular and Cellular Biology. Wadsworth Publishing Co., California, USA.
  4. Rost, T. etal. 1998. Plant Biology. Wadsworth publishing Co., California, USA.
  5. Krishnamurthy, K.V. 2000. Methods in Cell Wall Cytochemistry. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida.
  6. Buchanan, B.B., Gruissem, W., and Jones, R.L. 2000. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Plants, American Society of Plant Physiologists, Maryland, USA.
  7. De, D.N : 2000. Plant Cell Vacuoles :An Introduction. CSIRO Publication, Collingwood, Australia.
  8. Kleinsmith, L.J. and Kish, V.M. 1995. Principles of Cell and Molecular Biology (2nd Edition). Harper Collins College Publishers, New York, USA.
  9. Lodish, H., Berk, A., Zipursky, S.L., Matsudaira, P., Baltimore, D. and Darnell, J. 2000. Molecular Cell Biology (4th Edition). W.H. Freeman and Co., New York, USA.
See the following Review Journals
    Annual Review of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology.
    Current Advances in Plant Sciences.
    Trends in Plant Sciences.
    Nature Reviews: Molecular and Cell Biology.

Suggested laboratory Exercises
  1. Isolation of mitochondria and the activity of its marker enzyme, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH).
  2. Isolation of chloroplasts and SDS-PAGE profile, of proteins to demarcate the two subunits of Rubisco.
  3. Isolation of nuclei and identification of histones by SDS-PAGE.
  4. Isolation of plant DNA and its quantitation by a spectrophotometric method.
  5. Isolation of DNA, and preparation of 'cot' curve.
  6. Restriction digestion of plant DNA, its separation by agarose gel electrophoresis and visualization by ethidium bromide staining.
  7. Isolation of RNA and quantitation by a spectrophotometric method.
  8. Separation of ptant RNA by agarose gel electrophoresis and visualization by EtBr staining.
  9. Southern blot analysis using a gene specific probe.
  10. Northern blot analysis using a gene Specific probe.
  11. Immunological techniques : Ouchterlony method, ELISA and western blotting.
  12. Fluorescence staining with FDA for cell viability and cell wall staining with calcofluor.
  13. Demonstration of SEM and TEM.
Note : Chemicals and kits for conducting some of the above molecular biology experiments are available in India, for example from M/s Bangalore Genei and Centre for Biotechnology (CSIR), Mall Road, Delhi.

Suggested Readings (For laboratory exercises)
  1. Glick, B.R. and Thompson, J.E. 1993. Methods in Plant Molecular, Biology and Biotechnology. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida.
  2. Glover, D.M. and Hames, B.D. (Eds.), 1995. DNA Cloning 1 : A Practical Approach, Core Techniques. 2nd edition. PAS, IRL Press at Oxford University Press Oxford.
  3. Gunning, B.E.S. and Steer, M.W. 1996. Plant Cell Biology : Structure and Function. Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Boston, Massachusetts.
  4. Hackett, P.B., Fuchs, J.A. and Messing, J.W. 1988. An Introduction to Recombinant DNA Techniques : Basic Experiments in Gene Manipulation. The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Co. Inc., Menlo Park, California.
  5. Hall, J.L. and Moore, A.L. 1983. Isolation of Membranes and Organelles from Plant Cells. Academic Press, London, UK.
  6. Harris, N. and Oparka, K.J. 1994. Plant Cell Biology : A Practical Approach. IRL Press, at Oxford University Press, Oxford, U.K.
  7. Shaw, C.H. (Ed.), 1988. Plant Molecular Biology: A Practical Approach. IRL Press Oxford.


Paper-II : CYTOLOGY, GENETICS AND CYTOGENETICS


Scheme of Examination
Max. Marks : 100 Time : 3 hrs.

Each paper will have 9 questions, out of which a student has to attempt 5 questions including the question, No.1 which will be compulsory. The question No.1 will carry 20 marks and will be of several short objective type of questions such as multiple choice type, one line answer type, one word type and fill in the blanks type.

CYTOLOGY

Chromatin organization : Chromosome structure and packaging of DNA, molecular organization of centromere and telomere, nucleolus and ribosomal RNA genes, euchromatin and heterochromatin, karyotype analysis, banding patterns, karyotype evolution, specialized types of chromosomes, polytene, lampbrush, B-chromosomes and sex chromosomes, molecular basis of chromosome pairing.

Structural and numerical alterations in chromosomes : Origin, meiosis and breeding behaviour of duplication, deficiency, inversion and translocation heterozygotes, Origin, occurrence, production and meiosis of haploids, aneuploids and euploids, origin and production, of autopolyploids, chromosome and chromatid segregation, allopolyploids, types, genome constitution and analysis, evolution of major crop plants, induction and characterization of trisomics and monosomics.
GENETICS

Genetics of prokaryotes and eukaryotic organelles : Mapping the bacteriophage genome, phage phenotypes, genetic recombination in phage, genetic transformation, conjugation and transduction in bacteria, genetics of mitochondria and chloroplasts, cytoplasmic male sterility.


Gene Structure and expression : Genetic fine structure, cis-trans test, fine structure analysis of eukayotes, introns and their significance, RNA splicing, regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Panoply of operon, catabolite repression, attenuation and antitermination.


Genetic recombination and genetic mapping : Recombination, independent assortment and crossing over, molecular mechanism of recombination, role of RecA and RecBCD enzymes, site-specific recombination, chromosome mapping, linkage groups, genetic markers, construction of molecular maps, correlation of genetic and physical maps, somatic cell genetics - an alternative approach to gene mapping.

Mutations : Spontaneous and induced mutations, physical and chemical mutagens, molecular basis of gene mutation, transposable elements in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, mutation induced by transposons, site-directed mutagenesis, DNA damage and repair mechanisms, inherited diseases and defects in DNA repair,initiation of cancer at cellular level, protooncogenes and oncogenes.
Sex determination, sex, linked inheritance, sex limited characters and sex reversal, multiple allele's and blood groups in man.

CYTOGENETICS

Cytogenetics of aneuploids and structural heterozygotes : Effect of aneuploidy on phenotype in plants, transmission of monosomics and trisomics and their use in chromosome mapping of diploid and polyploid species, breeding behaviour and genetics of structural heterozygotes, complex translocation heterozygotes, translocation tester sets, Robertsonian translocations, B-A translocations.

Molecular cytogenetics : Nuclear DNA content, C-value, paradox, cot curve and its significance, restriction mapping - concept and techniques, multigene families and their evolution, in situ hybridization - concept and techniques, physical mapping of genes of chromosomes, computer assisted chromosome analysis, chromosome microdissection and microcloning, flow cytometry and confocal microscopy in karyotype analysis.

Alien gene transfer through chromosome manipulations : Transfer of whole genome, examples from wheat, Arachis and Brassica, transfer of individual chromosomes and chromosome segments methods for detecting alien chromatin, production, characterization and utility of alien addition and substitution lines, genetic basis of inbreeding and heterosis, exploitation of hybrid vigour.

Suggested Readings :
  1. Albert B. Bray, D., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Robert, K. and Watson, J.D. 1989., Molecular Biology of the Cell (2nd editions), Garland Publishing Inc., new York.
  2. Atherly, A.G., Girton, J.R. and McDonald, J.F. 1999. The Science of Genetics. Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth, USA.
  3. Burnham, C.R. 1962. Discussions in Cytogenetics. Burgess Publishing Co. Minnesota.
  4. Busch, H. and Rothblum, L. 1982. Volume X. The Cell Nucleus rDNA Part A. Academic Press.
  5. Hartl, D.L. and Jones, E.W. 1998. Genetics : Principles and Analysis (4th edition). Jones & Bartlett Publishers, Massachusetts, USA.
  6. Khush,G.S. 1973. Cytogenetics of Aneuploids. Academic Press, New York, London.
  7. Karp, G. 1999. Cells and Molecular Biology : Concepts and Experiments.John Wiley & Sons, Inc., U.S.A.
  8. Lewin, B. 2000. Gene VII. Oxford University Press, NewYork,USA.
  9. Lewis, R. 1997. Human Genetics : Concepts and Applications (2nd editions). WCB McGraw Hill, USA.
  10. Malacinski, G.M. and Freifelder, D. 1998 : Essentials of molecular Biology (3rd edition). Jones and B Artlet Publishers, Inc., London.
  11. Russel, P.J. 1998. Genetics (5th edition). The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company INd., USA.
  12. Snustad, D.P. and Simmons, M.J. 2000. Principles of Genetics (2nd edition). John Wiley & Sons Inc., USA.

Suggested Laboratory Exercises
  1. Linear differentiation of chromosomes through banding techniques, such as G-banding, C-banding and Q-banding.
  2. Silver banding for staining nucleolus-organizing region, where 18S and 28S rDNA are transcribed.
  3. Orcein and Feulgen slaining of the salivary gland chromosomes of Chironomas and Drosophila.
  4. Characteristics and behaviour of B chromosomes using maize or any other appropriate material.
  5. Working out the effect of mono- and tri-somy on plant phenotype, fertility and meiotic behaviour.
  6. Induction of polyploidy using colchicines, different methods of the application of Colchicines.
  7. Effect of induced and spontaneous polyploidy on plant phenotype, meiosis, pollen and seed fertility and fruit set.
  8. Effect of translocation heterozygosity on plant phenotype. chromosome pairing and chromosome disjunction and pollen and seed fertility.
  9. Meiosis of comp1ex translocation heterozygotes.
  10. Isolation of chlorophyll mutants. following irradiation and treatment With chemical mutagens.
  11. Estimation of nuclear DNA content through microdensitometry and flow cytometry.
  12. Fractionation and estimation of repentive and unique DNA sequences in nuclear DNA.
Suggested Readings :
  1. Fukui, K. and Nakayama, S. 1996. Plant Chromosomes : laboratory Methods. CRC Press, Boca ratan, florida.
  2. Sharma, A.K. and Sharma, A. 1999. Plant Chromosome Analysis, Manipulation and Engineering. Hoarwood Academic Publisher, Australia.


Paper-III : BIOLOGY AND DIVERSITY OF LOWER PLANTS : CRYPTOGAMS


Scheme of Examination
Max. Marks : 100 Time : 3 hrs.

Each paper will have 9 questions, out of which a student has to attempt 5 questions including the question, No.1 which will be compulsory. The question No.1 will carry 20 marks and will be of several short objective type of questions such as multiple choice type, one line answer type, one word type and fill in the blanks type.

Phycology : Algae in diversified habitats (terrestrial, freshwater, marine), thallus organization, cell ultrastructure, reproduction. (vegetative, asexual, sexual), criteria for classification of algae: pigments, reserve food, flagella, clasification, salient features of Protochlorophyta, Chlorophyta, Charophyta, Xanthophyta, Bacillariophyta. Phaeophyta and Rhodophyta : with special reference to Microcystis, Hydrodictyon, Drapernaldiopsis, Cosmarium, algal blooms, algal biofertilizcrs: algae as food, feed and usesin industry.

Mycology : General characters of fungi, substrate relationship in fungi, cell ultrastructure, unicellular and multicellular organization, cell wall composition, nutrition (saprobic, biotrophic, symbiotic), reproduction (vegetative, asexual, sexual), heterothallism, heterokaryosis, parasexuality, recent trends in classification.
Phylogeny of fungi, general account of Mastigomycotina, Zygomycotina, Ascomycotina, Basidiomycotina, Deuteromycotina, with special reference to Pilobolus, Chaetomium, Morchella, Melampsora. Polyporus, Drechslera & Phoma, fungi in industry, medicine and as food, fungal diseases in plants and humans, Mycorrhizae, fungi as biocontrol agents.

Bryophyta : Morphology, structure, reproduction and life history, distribution, classification, general account of Marchantiales, Junger-maniales, Anthocerotales, Sphagnales, Funariales and Polytrichales, with special reference to Plagiochasma, Notothylus and Polytrichum, economic and ecological importance.

Pteridophyta : Morphology, anatomy and reproduction, classification, evolution of stele, heterospory and origin of seed habit, general account of fossil pteriodophyta, introduction to Psilposida, Lycopsida, Sphenopsida and Pteropsida, with special reference to Lycopodium, Gleichenia, Pteris, Isoetes & Ophioglossum.

Suggested Readings :
  1. Alexopoulus, C.J., Mims, C.W. and Blackwel, M. 1996. Introductory Mycology, John Wiley & Sons Ind.
  2. Clifton, A. 1958. Introduction to the Bacteria. McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York.
  3. Kumar, H.D. 1988. Introductory Phycology. Affiliated East-West Press Ltd., New Delhi.
  4. Mandahar, C.L. 1978:. Introduction to Plant Viruses. Chand & Co, Ltd., Delhi
  5. Mehrotra, R.S. and Aneja, R.S. 1998. An Introduction to Mycology, New Age Intermediate Press.
  6. Morris, I. 1986. An Introduction to the Algae. Cambridge University Press, U.K.
  7. Parihar, N.S, 1991. Bryophyta. Central Book Depot, Allahabad.
  8. Parihaf, N.S. 1996. Biology & Morphology of Pteridophytes. Central Book Depot, Allahabad.
  9. Puri, P. 1980. Bryophytes. Atma Ram & Sons, Delhi.
  10. Rangaswami, G. and Mahadevan, A. 1999. Diseases of Crop Plants in India (4th edition). Prentice Hall of India Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.
  11. Round, F.E. 1986. The Biology of Algae. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
  12. Sporne, K.K. 1991. The Morphology of Pteridophytes. B.I. Publishing Pvt. Ltd., Bombay.
  13. Stewart, W.N. and Rathwell, G.W. 1993. Paleobotany and the Evolution of Plants. Cambridge University Press.
  14. Webster, J. 1985. Introduction to Fungi. Cambridge University Press.
Suggested Laboratory Excercises :

Morphological study of representative members of algae, fungi, bacteria, bryophytes and pteridophytes : Microcystis, Abosira, Ocystis, Pediastrum. Hydrodictyon, Ulva, Pithophora, Stigeoclonium. Drapranaldiopsis. Closterium, Cosmarium, Chara, Stemonitis, Perenospora. Albugo. Mucor, Pilobolus, Yeast, Emericella, Chaetomium, Pleospora, Morchella, Melampspora. Phallus, Polyporus. Drechslera, Phoma, Penicillium, Aspergillus. Colletotrichum, Marchantia, Anthoceros, Polytrichum, Psilotum, Lycopodium, Selaginella. Equisetum. Gleichenia, Pteris, Ophioglossum, Isoetes

Symptomology of some diseased specimens : White rust, downy mildew, powdery mildew, rusts, smuts, ergot, groundnut leaf spot red rot of sugarcane, wilts, paddy blast, citrus canker, bacterial blight of paddy, angular leaf spot of cotton, tobacco mosaic, little leaf of brinjal, seasame phyllody, mango malformation.
Study of morphology, anatomy and reproductive structures of bryophytes and pteridophytes.
Gram staining of bacteria.

Identification of fungal cultures : Rhizopus, Mucor, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Emericella, Chaetomium, Drechslera, Curvularia, Fusarium, Phoma, Colletotrichum, Graphium.
Sterilization methods, preparation of media and stains.

Paper-IV : TAXONOMY AND DIVERSITY OF SEED PLANTS


Scheme of Examination
Max. Marks : 100 Time : 3 hrs.

Each paper will have 9 questions, out of which a student has to attempt 5 questions including the question, No.1 which will be compulsory. The question No.1 will carry 20 marks and will be of several short objective type of questions such as multiple choice type, one line answer type, one word type and fill in the blanks type.

GYMNOSPERMS

Introduction : Gymnosperms, the vessel-less and fruitless seed plants varying in the structure of their sperms, pollen grains, pollen germination and the complexity of their female gametophyte, evolution of gymnosperms.
Classification of Gymnosperms and their Distribution in India

Brief account of the families of Pteridospermales (Lyginopteridaceae, Medullosaceae, Caytoniaceae and Glossopteridaceae).
General Account of Cycadeoidales and Cordaitales
Structure and reproduction in Cycadales, Ginkgoales, Coniferales, Ephedrales, Welwitschiales and Gnetales.

TAXONOMY OF ANGIOSPERMS

Origin of intrapopulation variation :Population and the environment, ecads and ecotypes, evolution and differentiation of species - various models.
The species concept : Taxonomic hierarchy, species, genus, family and other categories, principles used in assessing relationship, delimitation of taxa and attribution of rank. Salient features of the International Code of Botanical nomenclature.
Taxonomic evidence : Morphology, anatomy, palynology, embryology, cytology, phytochemistry, genome analysis and nucleic acid hybridization.
Taxonomic tools : Herbarium, floras, histological, cytological, phytochemical, serological, biochemical and molecular techniques, computers and GIS.
Systems of angiosperm classification : Phenetic versus phylogenetic systems, cladistics in taxonomy, relative merits and demerits of major systems of classification, relevance of taxonomy to conservation, sustainable utilization of bio-resources and ecosystem research.
Concepts of phytogeography : Endemism, hotspots and hottest hotspots, plant explorations, invasions and introductions, local plant diversity and its socio-economic importance.
Phylogeny of Angiosperms : Ancestors of Angiosperms, time and place of origin of Angiosperms, Habit of Angiosperm, Primitive living Angiosperms, Inter relationship among the major groups of Angiosperms.

Suggested Readings :
  1. Bhatnagar, S.P. and Moitra, A. 1996. Gymnosperms. New Age International Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.
  2. Cole, A.J. 1969. Numerical Taxonomy, Academic Press, London
  3. Davis, P.H. and Heywood, V.H. 1973, Principles of Angiosperms Taxonomy, Robert E. Kreiger Pub. Co., New York.
  4. Grant, V. 1971. Plant Speciation. Columbia University Press, New York.
  5. Grant, W.E. 1984. Plant Biosystematics. Academic Press London.
  6. Harrison, H.J. 1971. New Concepts in Flowering Plant Taxonomy. Rieman Educational Book Ltd., London.
  7. Heslop-Harrison, J. 1967. Plant Taxonomy -English Language Book Soc. & Edward Arnold Pub. Ltd. U.K.
  8. Heywood, V.H. and Moore, D.M. 1984. Current Concepts in Plant Taxonomy. Academic Press, London.
  9. Jones, A.D. and Wilbins, A.D. 1971. Variations and Adaptations in Plant Species. Hiemand & Co. Educational Books Ltd. London.
  10. Jones, S.B. Jr. and Luchsinger, A.E. 1986. Plant Systematics (2nd edition). McGraw-HilI Book Co., New York.
  11. Nordenstam, B., EI Gazaly, G. and Kassas, M. 2000 Plant Systematics for 21st Century. Portlant Press Ltd., London.
  12. Radford, A.E. 1986. Fundamentals of Plant Systematics. Harper & Row Publications, USA.
  13. Singh, H. 1978, Embryology of Gymnosperms, Encyclopaedia of Plant Anatomy X. Gebruder Bortraeger, Berlin.
  14. Solbrig, O.T. 1970. Principles and Methods of Plant Biosystematics. The MacMillan Co-collier-MacMillan Ltd., London.
  15. Solbrig, O.T. and Solbrig, D.J. 1979. Population Biology and Evolution, Addison-Weslley Publicating Co. Ind USA.
  16. Stebbings, G.L. 1974. Flowering Plant - Evolution Above Species Level. Edward Arnold Ltd. London.
  17. Stace, C.A. 1989. Plant Taxonomy and Biosysteinatics (2nd edition) Edward Arnold Ltd., London.
  18. Takhtajan, A.L. 1997. Diversity and Classification of Flowering Plants. Columbia University Press, New York.
  19. Woodland, D.W. 1991. Contemporary Plant Systematics. Prentice Hall. New Jersey.

Suggested Laboratory Excercises :
    Gymnosperms
  1. Comparative study of the anatomy of vegetative and reprodoctive parts of Cycas, Ginkgo, Cedrus, Abies, Picea, Cupressus, Araucaria, Cryptomeria, Taxodium, Podocarpus, Agathis, Taxus, Ephedra and Gnetum.
  2. Study of important fossil gymnospenns from prepared slides and specimens.

    3. Angiosperms
  3. Description of a specimen from representative, locally available families.
    4. List of Locally Available Families :
    (1) Ranunculaceae, (2) Capparidaceae, (3) Portulacaceae. (4) Caryophyllaceae, (5) Malvaceae, (6) Tiliaceae , (7) Sterculiaceae, (8) Zygophyllaceae, (9) Rhamnaceae. (10) Sapindaceae, (11) Leguminosae, (12) Combretaceae, (13) Myrtaceae, (14) Cucurbitaceae, (15) Umbelliferae- Apiaceae, (16) Rubiaceae, (17) Asteraceae, (18) Primulaceae, (19) Plumbaginaceae, (20) Asclepiadaceae, (21) Convolvulaceae, (22) Solanaceae, (23) Boraginaceae, (24) Polemoniaceae, (25) Acanthaceae, (26) Pedaliaceae, (27) Martyniaceae, (28) Bignoniaceae, (29) Labiatae, (30) Nyctaginaceae, (31) Polygonaceae, (32) Chenopodiaceae, (33)Amaranthaceae, (34 )Aizoaceae, (35) Molluginaceae, (36) Euphorbiaceae, (37) Commelinaceae and (38) Cyperaceae.
  4. Description of a species based on various specimens to study intraspecific variation : a collective exercise.
  5. Description of various species of a genus, location of key characters and preparation of keys at generic level.
  6. Location of key characters and use of keys at family level.
  7. Field trips within and around the campus, compilation of field notes and preparation of herbarium sheets of such plants, wild or cultivated, as are abundant.
  8. Training in using floras and herbaria for identification of specimens described in the class.
  9. Demonstration of the utility of secondary metabolites in the taxonomy of some appropriate genera.
  10. Comparison of different species of a genus and different genera of a family to calculate similarity coefficients and preparation of dendrograms.


Paper-V : PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND METABOLISM


Scheme of Examination
Max. Marks : 100 Time : 3 hrs.

Each paper will have 9 questions, out of which a student has to attempt 5 questions including the question, No.1 which will be compulsory. The question No.1 will carry 20 marks and will be of several short objective type of questions such as multiple choice type, one line answer type, one word type and fill in the blanks type.

Water relation of plants : Unique physicochemical properties of water, chemical potential, water potential, apparent free space, bulk movement of water, Soil Plant Atomosphere Continuum (SPAC), stomatal regulation of transpiration, signal transduction in guard cell.
Membrane Transport : Passive - non-mediated transport and Nernst equation, Passive-mediated transport, ATP-driven active transport, Uniport, Symport, Antiport Ion channels.
Amino acids, Proteins and Enzymes : Nod factor, root nodulation and nitrogen fixation.
Structure of amino acids, stereo-isomers, Amphoteric properties, synthesis of amino acids by reductive amination, GS-GOGAT system and transamination.
Structure of proteins : primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary and domain structure, reverse turn and Ramchandran Plot, protein stability : electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonding, disulfide bonding and hydrophobic interaction.
Enzymes : Structure and properties, substrate specificity, classification and mechanism of enzyme action.
Carbohydrates : Classification, structure and function of monosaccharides, Polysaccharides and glycoproteins including starch, cellulose and pectins.
Photosynthesis : Photosynthetic pigments, absorption and transformation of radiant energy, photo-oxidation, four complexes of thylakoid membranes : photosystem I, cytochrome b6-f complex, photosystem II and coupling factors, photolysis of water and O2 evolution, non-cyclic and cyclic transportation of electrons, water-water cycle, proton gradient and photophosphorylation, Calvin cycle, regulation of RUBISCO activity, control of Calvin cycle, C4 pathway and its, adaptive significance, CAM pathway, differences between C3 and C4 plants, glycolate pathway and photorespiration, chlororespiration and CO2 concentrating mechanism in microorganism.
Respiration : Anaerobic and aerobic respiration, amphibolic nature of TCA cycle, pentose phosphate pathway, glyoxylate pathway, oxidative phosphorylation, gluconeogenesis, high energy compounds : their synthesis and utilisation.
Fat metabolism : Synthesis of long chain fatty acids, lipid biosynthesis, α - and β-oxidation.
Secondary metabolites : Biosynthesis and function of secondary metabolites with special reference to tannins, alkaloids and steroids.
Plant growth regulators : Auxins - chemical nature, bioassay, physiological effects and mode of action.
Gibberellins - chemical nature, bioassay, physiological effects and mode of action.
Cytokinins - chemical nature, bioassay, physiological effects and mode of action.
Abscisic acid - chemical nature, bioassay, physiological effects and mode of action.
Ethylene - chemical nature, bioassay, physiological effects and mode of action.
Physiology of flowering : Photoperiodism and Vernalization.

Suggested Readings :
  1. Buchanan, B.B., Gruissem, W. and Jones, R.L. 2000. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Plants, American Society of Plant Physiplogists, Maryland, USA.
  2. Dennis, D.T., Turpin, D.H., Lefebvre, D.D. and Layzell, D.B. (Eds) 1997. Plant Metabolism (second edition). Longman Essex, England.
  3. Galston, A.W. 1989. Life Processes in Plants. Scientific American Library, Springer-Verlag, New York, USA.
  4. Hooykaas, P.J.J., Hall M.A. and Libbenga, K.R. (eds) 1999. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Plant Hormones, Elsevier, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
  5. Hopkins, W.G. 1995. Introduction to Plant Physiology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, USA.
  6. Lodish, H., Berk, A., Zipursky, S.L., Matsudaira P., Baltimore, D. and Darnell, J. 2000. Molecular Cell Biology (fourth edition). W.H. Freeman and Company, New York, USA.
  7. Moore, T.C. 1989. Biochemistry and Physiology of Plant Hormones (second edition). Springer-Verlag, NewYork, USA.
  8. Nobel, P.S. 1999. Physiochemical and Environmental Plant Physiology (second edition), Academic Press, San Diego, USA.
  9. Salisbury, F.B. and Ross, C.W. 1992. Plaut Physiology (4th edition). Wadsworth Publishing Co., California, USA.
  10. Singhal, G.S., Renger, G., Sopory, S.K., Irrgang, K.D. and Govindjee 1999., Concepts in Photobiology : Photosynthesis and Photomorphogenesis. Narosa Publishing House, New Delhi.
  11. Taiz, L. and Zeiger, E. 1998. Plant Physiology (2nd edition). Sinauer Associates, Inc., Publishers, Massachusetts, USA.
  12. Thomas, B. and Vince-Prue, D. (1997) Photoperiodism in Plants (second edition). Academic Press, San Diego. USA.
  13. Westhoff, P. (1998) Molecular Plant Development from Gene to Plant. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK.
Suggested Laboratory Exercises :
  1. Effect of time and enzyme concentration on the rate of reaction of enzyme (e.g. acid phosphatase nitrate reductase).
  2. Effect of substrate concentration on activity of any enzyme and determination of its Km value.
  3. Demonstration of the substrate inducibility of the enzyme nitrate reductase.
  4. Extraction of chloroplast pigments from leaves and preparation of the absorption spectrum of chlorophylls and carotenoids.
  5. To determine the chlorophyll a/ chlorophyll b ratio in C3and C4 plants.
  6. Isolation of intact chloroplasts and estimation of chloroplast proteins by spot protein assay.
  7. To demonstrate photophosphorylation in intact chloroplasts, resolve the phosphoprotecins by SDS-PAGE and perform autoradiography.
  8. Extraction of seed proteins depending upon the solubility.
  9. Determination of succinate dehydrogenase activity, its kinetics and sensitivity to inhibitors.
  10. Desalting of proteins by gel filtration chromatography employing Sephadex G-25.
  11. Preparation of the standard curve of protein (BSA) and estimation of the protein content in extracts of plant material by Lowry's or Bradford's method.
  12. Fractionation of proteins using gel filtration chromatography by Sephadex G100 or Sephadex G200.
  13. SDS-PAGE for soluble proteins extracted from the given plant materials and comparison of their profile by staining with Coomassie Brilliant Blue or silver nitrate.
  14. Separation of isozymes of esterases, peroxidases by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
  15. Radioisotope methodology, autoradiography, instrumentation (GM count and Scintillation counter) and principles involved.
  16. Principles of colorimetry, spectrophotometry and fluorimetry.

Suggested Readings (for laboratory exercises)
  1. Bajracharya, D. 1999. Experiments in Plant Physiology : A Laboratory Manual, Narosa Publishing House, New Delhi.
  2. Cooper, T.G. 1977. Tools in Biochemistry. John Willey, New York,USA.
  3. Copeland, R.A. 1996. Enzymes: A Practical introduction to Structure, Mechanism and data Analysis. VCH Publishers, New York.
  4. Dennison, C. 1999. A Guide to Protein Isolation. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, The Netherland.
  5. Devi, P. 2000. Principles and Methods of Plant Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Genetics. Agrobios, Jodhpur, India.
  6. Dryer, R.L. and Lata, G.F 1989. Experimental Biochemistry. Oxford University Press, New York.
  7. Hames B.D. (Ed.) 1998. Gel Electrophoresis of Proteins : A Practical Approach, 3rd edition. PAS, Oxford University Press, Oxford, U.K.
  8. Harbome, T.C. 1981. Phytochemical Methods : A Guid to Modern Techniques of Plant Analysis. Chapman & Hall, London.
  9. Moore, T.C. 1974. Research Experiences in Plant Physiology : A Laboratory Manual, Springer-Verlag, Berlin.
  10. Ninfa, A.J. and Ballou, D.P. 1998 Fundamental Laboratory Approaches for Biochemistry and Biotechnology. Fitzgerald Science Press, Inc,Maryland. USA.
  11. Piummer, D.T. 1998. An Introduction to Practical Biochemistry. Tata McGraw-Hill- Publishing Co. Ltd, New Delhi.
  12. Scott, R.P.W. 1995. Techniqucs and Practice of Chromatography. Marcel Dekkkcr, Inc. New York.
  13. Wilson, K. and Goulding, K.H.(Eds), 1986. A biologists Guide to Principles and Techniques of Practical Biochemistry. Edyward Arnold, London, UK.
  14. Wiison, K. and Walker, J. 1994. Practical Biochemistry : Principles and Techniques. 4th edition, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.

Paper-VI : MICROBIOLOGY AND PLANT PHYSIOLOGY


Scheme of Examination
Max. Marks : 100 Time : 3 hrs.

Each paper will have 9 questions, out of which a student has to attempt 5 questions including the question, No.1 which will be compulsory. The question No.1 will carry 20 marks and will be of several short objective type of questions such as multiple choice type, one line answer type, one word type and fill in the blanks type.

Microbiology
  1. Important landmarks in the history of microbiology Archaebacteria and eubacteria : . General account, ultrastructure, nutrition and reproduction, biology and economic importance, cyanobacteria - salient features and biological importance.
  2. Viruses : Classification, charactetistics and ultrastructure of virions, isolation and purification of viruses, chemical nature, replication, transmission of viruses, cyanophages, economic importance.
  3. Phytoplasma : General characteristics and role in causing plant diseases. Scope and application of microbes in agriculture, industry, food, pollution and biological control of pests.
  4. General account of immunity, allergy, properties of antigens and antibodies. Antibody structure and function, affinity and antibody specificity. Monoclonal antibodies and their uses, antibody engineering, serology, types of vaccines. Preliminary account Of Biofilms, biochips, biosensors and biosurfactants.

    5. Plant Pathology
  5. History and scope of plant pathology : General account of diseases caused by plant pathogens.
    6. Pathogen attack and defense mechanisms : Physical, physiological, biochemical and molecular aspects.
    Plant disease management : Chemical, biological, IPM systems, development of ransgenics, biopesticides, plant disease clinics. Preliminary account of application of information technology in plant pathology.
    Symptomology, identification and control of following plant diseases.
    Fungal diseases : Wheat (Rust, Smut, Bunt), Bajra (Green ear, ergot and smut), crucifer (rust).
    Paddy (Paddy blast), Cotton (Wilt), Grapes (Downy mildew and powdery mildew).
    Bacterial disease : Wheat (Tundu), Citrus canker.
    Viral disease : Tobacco mosaic, Bhindi yellow mosaic.
    Phytoplasma disease : Little leaf of brinjal.
    Nematode disease : Root-knot of vegetables.

Suggested Readings
  1. Alexopoulus, C.J., Mims, C.W. and Blackwel, M. 1996. Introductory Mycology. John Wiley & Sons Inc.
  2. Agrios, G.N. 1997. Plant Pathology. Academic Press, London.
  3. Albajes, R., Gullino, M.L., Van Lenteren, J.C. and Elad, Y. 2000. Integrated Pest and Disease management in Greenhouse Crops. Kiuwel Academic Publishers.
  4. Bridge, P., Moore, D.R. & Scott, P.R. 1998. Information Technology Plant Pathology and Biodiversity. CAB International, U.K.
  5. Cliffton, A. 1958. Introduction to the Bacteria. McGraw Hill Book Co. New York.
  6. Mandahar, C.L. 1978. Introduction to plant viruses. Chand & Co. Ltd., Delhi.
  7. Mehrotra, R.S. Plant Pathology, Tata McGraw Hill.
  8. Rangaswamy, G. & Mahadevan, A. 1999. Diseases of crop plants in India (4th edition) Prentice Hill of India, Pvt. New Delhi.
  9. Horsfall, J.G. & A.E. Dimond. Plant Pathology Vol. 1,2 & 3. Academic Press, New York, London.
  10. Trivedi, P.C. I998. Nematode Diseases in Plants. CBS Publisher & Distributor, New Delhi.
Suggested laboratory Exercises (Microbiology)
  1. Calibration of microscope : determination of dimensions of microorganisms (suggested model organisms : yeast, lactobacilli, cyanobacteria).
  2. Cultivation media for autotrophic and heterotrophic microorgamsms (cleaning of glasswares, mineral media, complex media, solid media, sterilization) (based on topic 3).
  3. Isolation of microorganisms, streaking on agar plates/pour plate method, isolation of clones, preservation (based on topic 2 and 3).
  4. Determination of growth of a microorganism (model organism : Escherichia coli, effects of nutrients, e.g. glucose, fructose, sucrose, principle of colorimetry/spectrocolorimeter) (based on topic 3).
  5. Determination of microbial population size (suggested model organism : yeast, use of haemocytometer, serial dilution technique, relationship between dilution and cell count, determination of standard error, reliability in cell counts) (based ontopic 3).
  6. Preparatioin of Winogradsky column using pond bottom mud, observations on temporal sequence of appearance of microbes (visual appearance, microscopic observations) (based on topic 7).
  7. Observation on virus infected plants (symptoms) (based on topic 5).
  8. Fermentation by yeast (inverted tube method, use of different substrates, e.g. glucose, fructose, cane sugar, starch) (based on topic 8).
Plant Pathology :
 Diseases as per theory syllabus.