BIOLOGY 371
PLANT ANATOMY
Biology 371. Plant Anatomy
Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory (4).
Prerequisite: 8 credits in Biology
A study of the origin, growth, differentiation, and maturation of cell types and tissues that make up the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits.
The major topics covered in this course in both the lecture and laboratory are as follows:
1. Cell wall and cell contents
2. Parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma cell types
3. Epidermis
4. Xylem: cell types, general structures, and variations in wood structures
5. Vascular cambium
6. Phloem
7. Periderm
8. The root: both primary and secondary states of growth
9. The stem: both primary and secondary states of growth
10. The leaf: basic structure, development, and variations in structure
11. The flower, fruit and seed
12. The embryo
The students are assigned textbook readings throughout the course. The lecture consists of discussion and explanation of the material with questions directed at the students. This oral presentation is visually enhanced with information summary sheet handouts, blackboard drawings, models, wood samples, transparencies, and 35 mm slides. The laboratory work consists almost entirely of examination of microscope slides of the cell type and tissue anatomy of plant organs. Some wood samples and wet mounts of woody cell types are also used.
1. Students will learn the basic principles of plant anatomy.
2. Students will study current research in plant anatomy.
3. Students will study classical pioneering research in plant anatomy.
4. Students will learn the fundamental structures of the cell types and tissues of vascular plants.
5. Students will learn the significant relationships between the structure and function of cell types and tissues.
6. Students will learn the anatomy of the root, stem, leaf, flower, fruit, and seed of vascular plants.
7. Students will learn plant development from embryo to mature vascular plant.
8. Students will learn how the primary and secondary growth of vascular plants occurs by the activity of primary and secondary meristems.
9. Students will learn how to correctly use the binocular microscopoe.
10. Students will learn how to identify cell types, tissues, plant organs, and plant groups by studying thin layer tissue preparations on microscope slides.
1. Students are assessed for their ability to understand and discuss the lecture presentations.
2. Students are given four lecture examinations to assess their knowledge and understanding of the anatomical development of vascular plants.
3. The student are given two laboratory practical examinations to assess their ability to identify cell types, tissue types, and the plant organs in which they normally appear.
None
DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
September 2001 Dr. Charles M. Neal, Chair