Module Identifier | BS11810 | |||||||||||||||||
Module Title | PLANT BIOLOGY | |||||||||||||||||
Academic Year | 2006/2007 | |||||||||||||||||
Co-ordinator | Dr Ian M Scott | |||||||||||||||||
Semester | Semester 2 | |||||||||||||||||
Other staff | Dr Aileen R Smith | |||||||||||||||||
Pre-Requisite | Normally A or AS level Biology or its equivalent. | |||||||||||||||||
Course delivery | Lecture | 20 x 1h lectures | ||||||||||||||||
Practical | 5 x 3 h practicals (duplicated) | |||||||||||||||||
Assessment |
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The major physiological mechanisms surveyed in the module are: transport systems including the function of xylem and the ascent of sap and the association of phloem with the movement of assimilates; energy flow and photosynthetic processes; mineral nutrition and the effects of toxic metals; and water as a limiting factor. Plant growth, development, and movements are surveyed, with a discussion of the roles of plant hormones.
The diversity of the modern land flora is then discussed commencing with the nonvascular plants (mosses and liverworts). The vascular plants without seeds, such as ferns, are then reviewed, including discussions of their possible evolutionary relationships with nonvascular plants on the one hand, and the early seed plants on the other. The diversity of seed plants, including gymnosperms and angiosperms, is examined, with emphasis on the distinction between monocots and dicots.
The practical sessions are held in the second half of the semester, and are integrated with the lectures. The practicals commence with some physiological experiments. These demonstrate: the translocation of carbon in plants, and the relations between 'sources' and 'sinks'; the effects of mineral deficiencies on growth and development; the effects of light, pH and plasmolysis on the behaviour of stomata; and water saturation deficits in different species subjected to drought and waterlogging. The practicals continue with plant internal structure and the opportunity to examine plant material illustrating the diversity of the modern and fossil land flora.
This module is at CQFW Level 4