Learn PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND TAXONOMY with expert tutor support

You will learn the essential plant physiology and taxonomy.  This course will give you a sound introduction to plant morphology and anatomy; in agriculture, horticulture, environmental or plant science. Base knowledge for careers in teaching, pharmaceuticals or for those seeking a pathway to undergraduate plant specialist courses.

Though it is a stand alone course, in order to fully take advantage of this knowledge pathway, the Careerline course; ‘Botany II’ should be studied next.

Course Aims:

• Understand the relationship between the scientific principles of this unit and horticultural practices
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the Plant Kingdom and understanding of the taxonomic hierarchy
• Identify and describe the different types of plant cells and tissues, their structure and function
• Determine the role and function of specific vegetative parts of the plant
• Determine the role and function of the reproductive parts of the plant
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of the seed in the life cycle of the plant
• Explain the mechanism and the role of photosynthesis in the metabolism of plants and relate to plant growth in controlled environments
• Explain the mechanism and the role of respiration in the metabolism of plants
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of water in the plant
• Review the movement of water, solutes and assimilates through the plant
• Understand the effects of tropisms and other plant movements on growth and development

There are 10 lessons in this course:

1. Taxonomic Classification of Plants

• • Plant Taxonomy – Botanical/Horticultural Nomenclature
  • The Binomial System
  • Botanical Classification
  • Plant Families and Species
  • Hybrids, Varieties and Cultivars
  • Botanical Keys – How to use a botanical key
  • Key to Plant Groups
  • Key to Plant Phyla

2. Cells and Tissues

• • Plant Cells – types of plant cells
  • Plant Tissues
  • Primary and Secondary Plant Growth

3. Specific Vegetative Parts of a Plant

• • Stems – Different Stem Forms
  • Leaves – Leaf Structure and Arrangement
  • Roots – Root Structure (tap root, adventitious roots)
  • Common Botanical Terms

4. Flowers and Fruit

• • The flower – inflorescence (panicle, umbel, composite head)
  • Fruits – Simple, Aggregate, Multiple
  • Reproductive Growth and Development
  • Pollination
  • Fertilization
  • Fruit setting

5. Seed and the Developing Embryo

• • Seed Structure
  • Seed Coats
  • Food Storage Organs
  • Embryo
  • Seed Germination – Germination Requirements
  • Stimulation and Inhibition of Germination
  • Plant Reproduction -Propagation of Plants

6. Photosynthesis and Growing Plants

• • Photosynthesis – the Photosynthetic Apparatus
  • Light transformation into energy
  • Photosynthetic process
  • Gas Exchange with the Atmosphere

7. Respiration

• • Stages of Respiration
  • Krebs Cycle
  • Electron Transport Chain
  • Rate of Respiration
  • Control of ATP Production in Respiration

8. The Role of Water

• • Osmosis
  • Water Movement from Soil to Root
  • Development of Root Pressure
  • The Transpiration Stream
  • Transpiration and Environmental Conditions

9. Movement of Water and Assimilates through a Plant

• • Mechanisms of Nutrient Uptake
  • Absorption and Transport of Mineral Nutrients
  • Translocation of Sugars
  • Adaptations for Water Storage
  • Food and Water Storage Organs

10. The Effects of Tropisms and Other Growth Movements

• • Plant Hormones
  • Tropisms
  • Phototropism
  • Geotropism
  • Thigmotropism
  • Other Growth Movements
  • Chemical Growth Modifications