Assam University

Silchar

Curriculum
for
Four Year Under Graduate Programme
in
BOTANY
under
National Education Policy – 2020
w.e.f.
Academic Session 2023-24
 Assam University, Silchar
NEP 2020 FYUGP Course Curriculum (Botany)
Course Structure

Sem DSC DSM - 1 DSM - 2 IDC SEC

BOT:DSC-101 (3)
BOT:DSM-101 (3)
BOT:IDC-101 (3) BOT:SEC-101 (3)
Microbiology
I Biodiversity(Microbes, - Gardening and Nursery Medicinal Plants &
BOT:DSC-102 (3) Cryptogams &
Management Herbal Technology
gymnosperms)
Phycology and Mycology

BOT:DSC-151 (3)
BOT:DSM-151 (3)
Cell Biology BOT:IDC-151 (3) BOT:SEC-151 (3)
II - Angiosperm
BOT:DSC-152 (3) Morphology and Biodiversity Conservation Mushroom cultivation
Taxonomy
Practical – I

DSC-201 (4)
Archegonite/Vascular Cryptogams BOT:DSM-201 (4) BOT:IDC-201 (3)
BOT:SSEC-201 (3)
III BOT:DSC-202 (4) Plant anatomy and - Plants and Traditional
Horticulture
embryology Knowledge
Genetics, Molecular Biology and Plant
Breeding

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 BOT:DSC-251 (4)
Economic Botany

BOT:DSC-252 (4) BOT:DSM-251 (3) BOT:DSM-252 (3)

IV - -
Plant Systematics Practical Plant Physiology

BOT:DSC-253 (4)
Practical - II

BOT:DSC-301 (4)
Advance morphology and taxonomy
BOT:DSM-302 (3)
BOT:DSC-302 (4) BOT:DSM-301 (3)
V Plant Ecology and - -
Plant Physiology Plant Biochemistry environmental
Biology
BOT:DSC-303 (4)
Practical - III

BOT:DSC-351 (4)
Ecology and Phytogeography

BOT:DSC-352 (4)
Plant Metabolism and Biochemistry BOT:DSM-351 (4)
VI -
BOT:DSC-353 (4) Practical
Plant Biotechnology

BOT:DSC-354 (4)
Practical - IV

2
 BOT:DSC-401 (4)
Reproductive biology of angiosperm

BOT:DSC-402 (4)
Plant Pathology BOT:DSM-401 (4)
VII BOT:DSC-403 (4) Cell & Molecular
Biology
Ethnobotany, Biostatistics and
Bioinformatics

BOT:DSC-404 (4)
Practical - V

BOT:DSC-451 (4)
Practical with Research (Practical)

BOT:DSC-452 (4)
Applied Botany BOT:DSM-451 (4)
VIII -
BOT:DSC-453 (4) Applied Botany
Biodiversity and climate change

BOT:DSC-454 (4)
Analytical techniques in plant science

Note- Figures in the parenthesis represent credits assigned to the paper

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 Marks Distribution
DSE, DSM and IDC Papers: All theory papers
will have 70% External evaluation and 30% internal
SEC papers
evaluation. In practical papers, the marks
distribution will be as follows:

Marks Marks
Description External Internal
Assessment Assessment Theory 50
(A) (B)
Major
28 15 Practical 30
experiment
Minor
21 6 Internal 20
experiment

Viva-voce 14 6 Total 100

Record and
7 3 * Marks distribution is as given
submission
in the previous column marked
Total 70 30 (B)

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SEMESTER - I
BOT: DSC-101
Course Title: Microbiology
Credits: 3 Contact hours: 45 Marks: 100
(All units are of equal credits)

Course Objective: To study the diversity and complexity of microbial world and its
applications

Unit-I: General Microbiology

History of microbiology, the discovery of viruses and different groups of
microorganisms (from prokaryotes to eukaryotes); status of microorganisms in the
living world, different groups of microorganisms, nutritional groups of
microorganisms, microbial nutrition and growth (growth curve, factors affecting
growth, control), sterilization methods, culture media types and preparations for
bacteria, fungi and micro algae; Antibiotics and their mode of actions, Vaccines.

Unit-II: Virology and Bacteriology

Viruses: Virus stature, classification (Baltimore), general structure and replication;
short accounts of viroids and prions; Structure of T-phages and TMV; methods of
isolation of plant viruses, economic importance.
Bacteria: General characteristics, types including mycoplasmas, spheroplasts and
actinomycetes; cell and cell wall structures, classification, reproduction, and economic
importance. Study of the genera: Streptomyces, E. coli, Bacillus, Lactobacillus,
Agrobacterium, Rhizobium and Pseudomonas.

Unit-III: Agricultural Microbiology

Microorganisms in soil, role of microorganisms in Nitrogen cycle, Carbon cycle and
Sulphur cycle in nature. Plant growth promoting bacteria, rhizosphere
(microorganisms, positive and negative roles), and phyllosphere. Mycorrhiza- types
and their role in agriculture and horticulture; Mechanism of biological Nitrogen
fixation; Humus, microbial pesticides and herbicides.

Unit-IV: Food and Industrial Microbiology

Microbial spoilage of foods, preservation of foods, food poisoning, pasteurization of
milk. Fermentation, Solid-state and liquid-state fermentations, batch and continuous
fermentation, bioreactors, microbial production of enzymes, alcohol (Ethanol),
antibiotics (Penicillin and Streptomycin) and organic acids (acetic acid, citric acid and
lactic acid).

Unit-V: Water, Environmental and Medical Microbiology

Water micro-flora, role of microbes in sewage and domestic waste water treatment
systems, determination of BOD and COD of water samples, microorganisms as
indicator of water quality, tests for coliforms.

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Bioremediation of contaminated soil, enumeration of microorganisms in air, control of
air born microorganisms; biogas production; microbes in biodegradation of
hydrocarbons.
Microbial diseases (Aspergillosis, Tuberculosis, Tetanus, Gonorrhea, Syphilis,
Leprosy), causes and preventive measures; probiotics.

Course Outcome: The course will provide comprehensive overview on microbial world
and its applications in diverse fields.

Suggested Readings:
1. Bagyaraj, D. J. & Rangaswami, G. (2007): 2nd edition, Agricultural Microbiology. PHI
Learning Pvt. Ltd.
2. Banerjee, A. K. &Banerjee, N. (2008): Fundamentals of Microbiology and Immunology.
New Central Book Agency (P) Ltd. Kolkata
3. Biswas, S. B. & Biswas, A. (1996): An Introduction to Viruses, 4th edition, Vikas
Publishing House Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi.
4. Dubey, R. C. & Maheshwari, D. K. (2005): A Textbook of Microbiology. S. Chand &
Company Ltd. New Delhi.
5. Pelezar, M. J. (2001): Microbiology. 5th edition, Tata McGraw-Hill Co., New Delhi.
6. Power, C. B. & Daginawala, H. F. (2010): General Microbiology, Vol.-I & II. Himalaya
Publishing House, Mumbai.
7. Pyatkin, K. & Krivoshein, Y. (1982): Microbiology with Virology and Immunology. MIR
Publishers, Moscow.
8. Reddy, S. M.; Girisham, S.; Babu, G. N. & Reddy, B. V. (2017): Applied Microbiology
(Agricultural, Environmental, Food and Industrial Microbiology). Scientific Publishers,
Jaipur.

BOT: DSC-102
Course Title : Phycology and Mycology
Credits: 3 Contact hours: 45 Marks: 100
(All units are of equal credits)

Course Objective: To study the diversity, cellular organisation and its application

Unit-I: Algae
General characteristics; Ecology and distribution; range of thallus organization;
Cell structure and components; cell wall, pigment system, reserve food, flagella;
methods of reproduction; Classification: criteria, system of Fritsch, and evolutionary
classification of Lee (only up to groups); Significant contributions of important
Phycologists (F.E. Fritsch, G.M. Smith, R.N. Singh, T.V. Desikachary, H.D. Kumar,
M.O.P. Iyengar). Role of algae in the environment, agriculture, biotechnology and
industry.

Unit-II: Divisions of Algae

Characteristics; Ecology and distribution; range of thallus organization; Cell
structure and reproduction of Cyanophyta and Xanthophyta. Morphology and life-
cycle of Nostoc and Vaucheria. Characteristics; Occurrence; Range of thallus

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organization; Cell structure;Reproduction of Chlorophyta. Morphology and life-
cycles of Chlamydomonas Volvox, Oedogonium,Coleochaete, Chara. Evolutionary
significance of Prochloron. Characteristics; Occurrence; Range of thallus
organization; Cell structure; Reproduction of Phaeophyta & Rhodophyta.
Morphology and life-cycles of Ectocarpus and Polysiphonia.

Unit-III: Fungi and its Associations

General characteristics; Affinities with plants and animals; Thallus
organization; Cell wall composition; Nutrition; Classification (Ainsworth). Lichen –
Occurrence; General characteristics; Growth forms and range of thallus organization;
Nature of associations of algal and fungal partners; Reproduction; Mycorrhiza- their
types, and significance.

Unit-IV: Major divisions of Fungi

Characteristic; Ecology and significance; Thallus organization; Reproduction; Life
cycle with reference to Synchytrium, Rhizopus.
Life cycle and classification with reference to Saccharomyces, Aspergillus,
Penicillium, Alternaria & Fusarium,. General characteristics (asexual and sexual
fruiting bodies); Heterokaryosis and parasexuality;
General characteristics; Ecology; Life cycle and Classification with reference to black
stem rust on wheat Puccinia, Ustilago (symptoms), Agaricus;
General characteristics; Status of Slime molds, Types of fruiting bodies.General
characteristics; Ecology; Life cycle and classification with reference to
Phytophthora, Albugo.

Unit-V: Applied Mycology

Role of fungi in biotechnology; Application of fungi in food industry (Flavour &
texture, Fermentation, Baking, Organic acids, Enzymes, Mycoproteins); Secondary
metabolites (Pharmaceutical preparations); Agriculture (Biofertilizers); Mycotoxins;
Biological control (Mycofungicides, Mycoherbicides, Mycoinsecticides,
Myconematicides); Medical mycology. Mushroom cultivation.

Course Outcome: The course will provide detailed understanding of algae and fungi

Suggested Readings
1. Lee, R.E. (2008). Phycology, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. 4th edition.
2. Wiley JM, Sherwood LM and Woolverton CJ. (2013) Prescott’s Microbiology. 9th
Edition. McGraw Hill International.
3. Kumar, H.D. (1999). Introductory Phycology. Affiliated East-West Press, Delhi.
4. Sahoo, D. (2000). Farming the ocean: seaweeds cultivation and utilization. Aravali
International, New Delhi.
5. Campbell, N.A., Reece J.B., Urry L.A., Cain M.L., Wasserman S.A. Minorsky P.V.,
Jackson
6. R.B. (2008). Biology, Pearson Benjamin Cummings, USA. 8th edition.
7. Alexopoulos, C.J., Mims, C.W., Blackwell, M. (1996). Introductory Mycology, John
Wiley & Sons (Asia) Singapore. 4th edition.
8. Webster, J. and Weber, R. (2007). Introduction to Fungi, Cambridge University Press,
9. Sethi, I.K. and Walia, S.K. (2011). Text book of Fungi and Their Allies, Macmillan
Publishers India Ltd.

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 BOT: DSM-101
Course Title: Biodiversity (Microbes, Cryptogams & gymnosperms)
Credits: 3 Contact hours: 45 Marks: 100
(All units are of equal credits)

Course Objective: To study the biodiversity of microbes, algae, bryophytes,

pteridophytes and gymnopsperms

Unit-I: Microbes
Viruses - Characteristics and economic importance, T Phage Virus and TMV, Lytic and
Lysogenic cycle.
Bacteria - Characteristics and economic importance, Cell structure, Reproduction of
bacteria- vegetative, asexual and recombination (Conjugation, Transformation and
Transduction).

Unit-II: Algae
General characteristics; Classification, Ecology and occurrence, Economic
importance, Range of thallus organization and Reproduction. Morphology and life
cycle of Nostoc, Volvox, Voucheria, Chara and Ectocarpus.
Significant contributions of Phycologists - F.E. Fritsch, G. M. Smith and M.O.P.
Iyenger.

Unit-III: Fungi & Lichens

General characteristics; Classification, Economic importance of Fungi; Reproduction;
Morphology and life cycle of and Rhizopus, Penicillium and Puccinia,
Symbiotic association – Lichens and its economic importance; General account and
significance of Mycorrhiza.

Unit-IV: Bryophytes
Unique characters of archegoniates and alternation of generation.
Bryophytes - General characteristics; Adaptation to land habit, Classification (upto
orders) Ecology and Economic importance; Evolution of sporophyte; Morphology and
life cycle of Marchantia, Anthoceros and Polytrichum.

Unit-V: Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms

Pteridophytes - General characteristics; Classification (upto orders) and economic
importance; Reproduction; Heterospory and seed habit; Stelar organization; Early land
plants - Rhynia; Morphology and reproduction of Lycopodium and Selaginella.
Gymnosperma - General characteristics; classification and economic importance;
Morphology, anatomy and reproduction of Cycas, Pinus, Gingko and Gentum

Course Outcome: The course will highlight the diversity of microbial world along with
cryptogams and gymnosperms.

Suggested Readings:
1. Lee, R. E. (2008). Phycology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

8
2. Acharya, B. C. and Mishra B. K. (2019). Plant Biodiversity – as per CBCS Syllabus,
Kalyani Publishers.
3. Bhattacharya, Hait and Ghosh (2017). A Text Book of Botany: Vol. 1 & Vol 2. New
Central Book Agency (P) Ltd.
4. Mishra, B. K. and Dash N (2019). A Text Book of Microbiology and Phycology – as per
CBCS Syllabus, Kalyani Publishers.
5. Mishra, B. K. and Dash N (2019). An Introduction to Mycology and Phytopathology – as
per CBCS Syllabus, Kalyani Publishers
6. Singh, Pandey and Jain (2018). A Text Book of Botany – ARCHEGONIATE (Bryophyta,
Pteridophyta and Gymnosperms), Rastogi Publications.
7. Vashishta, B. R. (2017). Botany for Degree Students – Algae. S. Chand Publishing.
8. Vashishta, B. R. (2017). Botany for Degree Students – Fungi. S. Chand Publishing.
9. Vashishta, B. R. (2017). Botany for Degree Students – Bryophyta. S. Chand Publishing.
10. Vashishta, B. R. (2017). Botany for Degree Students – Pteridophyta. S. Chand Publishing.
11. Vashishta, B. R. (2017). Botany for Degree Students – Gymnosperms S. Chand Publishing

BOT: IDC-101
Course Title: Gardening and Nursery Management
Credits: 3 Contact hours: 45 Marks: 100
(All units are of equal credits)

Course Objective: To study the multi-faced aspects of gardening and nursery

Unit-I: Gardening Introduction

History of gardening in India, Scope of gardening in India, Routine garden operations
(Soil sterilization, Soil laying, sowing of seed, Shading, pinching, deshooting,
disbudding, defoliation, bending, mulching, topiary, training and pruning, de-
suckering, staking, mowing, ranking, earthing up, manuring, watering, insect-pest and
disease control). Mother plant. Garden types, general feature and styles. Garden
adornments
Unit-II: Nursery and Garden Management
Definition, objectives and scopes of gardening; Types of gardening: Landscape, home
gardening, Kitchen Garden. Orchards, Terrace gardening, etc.; Concept of Public
Parks and Botanical Gardens; Selection of Plant Materials and designing of gardens-
computer-aided designing. Gardening operations and management practices: soil
layering, manuring, watering, sowing of samplings, Management and control of weeds
ad pests and harvesting operations, storage and Marketing strategies.
Unit-III: Structures of Nursery and Gardens
Green house technology (Definition, advantages, factors affecting growth of plants in
green house, classification); Polyhouse (Definition, site selection, types, advantages);
Lath house; glass house, shed house, cold frame, hotbed, bottom heat, propagation
frames, net house, mist propagation unit, Humidifier,

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Unit-IV: Plant Propagation
Sexual, vegetative and artificial methods of plant propagation (Cutting, layering,
Budding and grafting). Micro propagation. Seed structure and Seed Dormancy.
Concepts of plant growth regulators: Types, trade names and application methods.
Rooting media (Peat moss, Vermiculite, Perlite, Sand and Bark). Techniques of
growing and propagation of Epiphytes (Orchids, Aroids and Ferns) and Hydrophytes.
Study of cultivation processes and harvesting of different vegetables and fruits-Brinjal,
Potato, Tomato, Lady’s finger, Cabbage, Cauliflower, beans, Pumpkin, Mango,
Banana, etc. Role of plant growth regulators used in Gardening and Nurseries.
Unit-V: Landscaping of Public Places, Indoor Gardening and Famous Gardens in
India
General recommendations of Landscaping, Landscaping of Highways, Home
Landscaping/Residential Landscaping, Landscaping of public parks and Landscaping
of Educational institutes.
Indoor Gardening: Definition, areas suitable for placing indoor plants, factors affecting
growth of indoor plants, pot plants, foliage plants, Hanging Baskets, Terrariums,
Vertical gardens, Dish garden and Bonsai. Plants suitable for landscaping and Indoor
Gardening (Flowering annuals, Herbaceous perennials, ornamental shrubs, Ornamental
climbers, Ornamental trees, Bulbous plants, Palms and Cycads).
Shalimar Garden (Kashmir), Lal Bagh (Bengaluru), Rashtrapati Bhavan Garden (New
Delhi), Brindavan Garden (Mysore), Yadvindra Garden (Pinjore), Indian Botanic
Garden (Howrah), The Ramoji Film City Garden (Hyderabad), Tulip Garden
(Srinagar).

Course Outcome: The course will help to empower students to take up gardening and
nursery management as career option.

Suggested readings
1. Bose T.K. & Mukherjee, D., 1972, Gardening in India, Oxford & IBH Publishing Co., New
Delhi.
2. Sandhu, M.K., 1989, Plant Propagation, Wile Eastern Ltd., Bangalore, Madras.
3. Kumar, N., 1997, Introduction to Horticulture, Rajalakshmi Publications, Nagercoil.
4. Edmond Musser & Andres, Fundamentals of Horticulture, McGraw Hill Book Co., New
Delhi.
5. Agrawal, P.K. 1993, Hand Book of Seed Technology, Dept. of Agriculture and
Cooperation, National Seed Corporation Ltd., New Delhi.
6. Janick Jules. 1979. Horticultural Science. (3rd Ed.), W.H. Freeman and Co., San
Francisco, USA.

10
 BOT: SEC-101
Course Title: Medicinal Plants & Herbal Technology
Credits: 3 Contact hours: 60 Marks: 100
THEORY
Credits: 2 Contact hours: 30 Marks: 50
(All units are of equal credits)

Course objective: To study the use of medicinal plants in improving human life

Unit-I: Traditional Systems of Medicine

Brief history of use of medicinal herbs; Indigenous system of medicines-Ayurveda

(History, origin, panchamahabhutas, saptadhatu, tridosha and rasayana), plants used in
ayurvedic treatments, Methods of preparation of asava, arishta, gutikas, churna, leham
and bhasmas; Unani (History, concept, Umoor-e-tabiya) and Siddha (Origine, basis,
plants used in Siddha medicine), medical terms.

Unit-II: Medicinal Plants and their Conservation; Application of Natural Products

Local Medicinal plants, Concept of endangered taxa, Endangered and endemic

medicinal plants of India, Red list criteria; In situ and Ex situ conservation of
medicinal plants, brief account of CIMAP; Application of natural products to certain
diseases-Jaundice, cardiac, infertility, diabetics, blood pressure, memory loss,
rheumatism and skin diseases.

Unit-III: Pharmacognosy

Systematic position, distinguishing features and uses of following herbs in curing

various ailments- Tulsi, Ginger, Fenugreek, Indian Goose berry, Ashoka, Arjun; Future
of pharmacognosy. Herbs as health food (Alfa alfa, Chicory, Garlic, Ginseng,
Ashwagandha and Spirulina).

Unit-IV: Phytochemistry and Analytical Pharmacognosy

Active principles and methods of their testing of medicinal herbs, Drug adulteration
(types), methods of drug evaluation, WHO guidelines for the assessment of herbal
medicines, phytochemical screening tests for secondary metabolites (alkaloids,
flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids and phenolic compounds).

Unit-V: Patenting and Regulatory Authorities of Natural Products

Definition of common terms-Patent, IPR, Traditional Knowledge, Farmer’s right,

Breeder’s right, Bioprospecting, and Biopiracy. Turmeric patent and Neem patent;
Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), Plant based medicinal and aromatic
industries and institutions in India; Good manufacturing practice (GMP) of Indian
system of medicine

Course outcome: The course will provide a comprehensive understanding on the

importance of medicinal plants and herbal technology in health care.

11
Suggested Readings
1. Anonymous (1948-66): Wealth of India, Raw Materials, 7 Vols, CSIR, New Delhi.
2. Anonymous (1992): The use of Traditional Medicine in Primary Health Care. WHO,
AITBS Publishers and Distributors, New Delhi.
3. Anonymous (1994): The Useful Plants of India. Publications &Information Directorate,
CSIR, New Delhi.
4. Arora, P & Arora, V. (2019): A Text Book of Herbal Drug Technology. S. Vikas &
Company (Medical Publishers) India, Jalandhar.
5. Chopra, R. N.; Nayar, S. L. and Chopra, I. C. (1956): Glossary of Indian medicinal Plants,
C S I R, New Delhi.
6. Jain, S. K. (1994): Medicinal Plants. 5th edition. NBT, New Delhi.
7. Laxman, P. (2015): Patenting in India: Policy, Procedure and Public Funding. I K
International Publishing House. New Delhi.
8. Mukerji, B. (1953): The Indian Pharmaceutical Codex, New Delhi.

SEC-101: PRACTICAL
Credit: 1 Contact Hours: 30 Marks: 30

1. Survey and collection of medicinal plants used by local communities.

2. Categorization medicinal plants as per the disease criteria.
3. Preparation of plant material for extraction process.
4. Preparation of crude plant extracts by maceration techniques.
5. Preparation of crude plant extracts by Soxhlet apparatus.
6. Method of recovery of crude plant extracts.
7. Qualitative estimation of crude plant extracts
8. Quantitative estimation of plant extracts
9. TLC profiling of plant extracts
10. Study of antimicrobial activity of plant extracts

12
SEMESTER - II
BOT: DSC-151
Course Title: Cell Biology
Credits: 3 Contact hours: 45 Marks: 100
(All units are of equal credits)

Course objective: To study the cellular organisation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic

organisms

Unit-I:

Cell: Historical background of Cell Biology; Broad Classification of Cell Types (in
Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes); Cell as basic unit of life; Cell Theory; Pre-cellular
evolution and artificial creation of cell; Characteristic features of cell types:
Mycoplasma (PPLO); Viroids; Prions; Archaebacteria and Eubacteria; Eukaryotic
microbes; Ecological amplitude of cell in high altitude, arctic, hotspring, arid, brakish
and fresh water.

Unit-II:

Structure and function of cell organelles: Cell wall and cell membrane; Models of cell
membrane; role of various membrane proteins, lipids and carbohydrates; role of
channels and pumps in cellular transport and signaling; Cytoskeleton and Cytosol;
Golgi-bodies; Endoplasmic reticulum; Ribosomes; Lysosomes; Peroxysomes;
Endosymbiotic Theory: Mitochondria and Chloroplast.

Unit-III:

Ultrastructure and function of Nucleus: composition of nucleus; Nucleic acids: DNA

and RNA-composition, structure of DNA; A, B and Z forms of DNA; Replication of
DNA, Denaturation of DNA, DNA polymerases; Different types of RNA and their role.

Unit-IV:

Cell Division and its regulation: Cell cycle; cell-cell interaction; cell locomotion
(amoeboid, flagellar and cilliar), Muscle and nerve cell; Cell Senescence and
Programmed Cell Death; Apoptosis; Cell differentiation; Biology of cancer; Cell
Division: Mechanisms of Mitosis and Meiosis; Role of Centromere, Kinetochore and
Spindle apparatus.

Unit-V:

Techniques in cell biology: Microscopy: Principles of Light and Electron microscopy -

TEM and SEM; Phase contrast and fluorescence microscopy; Principles of
Chromatographic techniques- Paper chromatography, TLC, Column chromatography;
HPLC; Autoradiography and its applications; Centrifugation.

13
Course Outcome: The course will provide a detailed understanding of cellular
organisation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organism.

Suggested Readings

1. Campbell, MK (2012) Biochemistry, 7th ed., Published by Cengage Learning

2. Campbell, PN and Smith AD (2011) Biochemistry Illustrated, 4th ed., Published by
Churchill Livingstone
3. Tymoczko JL, Berg JM and Stryer L (2012) Biochemistry: A short course, 2nd ed.,
W.H.Freeman
4. Berg JM, Tymoczko JL and Stryer L (2011) Biochemistry, W.H.Freeman and Company
5. Nelson DL and Cox MM (2008) Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 5th Edition., W.H.
Freeman and Company.
6. Karp, G. (2010). Cell Biology, John Wiley & Sons, U.S.A. 6th edition.
7. Hardin, J., Becker, G., Skliensmith, L.J. (2012). Becker’s World of the Cell, Pearson
Education Inc. U.S.A. 8th edition.
8. Cooper, G.M. and Hausman, R.E. (2009) The Cell: A Molecular Approach. 5th edition.
ASM Press & Sunderland, Washington, D.C.; Sinauer Associates, MA.
9. Becker, W.M., Kleinsmith, L.J., Hardin. J. and Bertoni, G. P. (2009) The World of the
Cell. 7th edition. Pearson Benjamin Cummings Publishing, San Francisco

BOT: DSC-152
Course Title: Practical – I (Lower Cryptogams and cell Biology)
Credits: 3 Contact hours: 60 Marks: 100
(All units are of equal credits)

Course objective: To study the cellular organisation of lower cryptogams and other
eukaryotes

Unit-I: Microbes

Models of virus – T Phage, Lytic & lysogenic cycle from photograph

Study of bacterial reproduction- binary fission, Conjugation and endospores from
temporary/permanent slides/ photographs.
Gram staining techniques in bacteria through Curd/ Root nodules.
Preparation of media- nutrient agar and broth

Unit-II: Algae

Identification and study of vegetative / reproductive structures of the following genera

through temporary preparation of slides / permanent slides –
Cyanobacteria: Nostoc / Anabaena
Chlorophyceae: Chlamydomonas, Chlorella, Volvox and Chara;
Xanthophyceae: Voucheria;
Bacillariophyceae: Pinnularia;
Phaeophyceae: Ectocarpus / Sargassum;
Rhodophyceae: Polysiphonia / Batrachospermum.

Unit-III: Fungi & Lichen

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Identification and study of vegetative / reproductive structures of the following genera
through temporary preparation of slides (by Lactophenol Cotton Blue methods) –
Rhizopus, Penicillium, Ustilago and Puccinia.
Study of Crustose, Foliose and Fruticose Lichen.

Unit-IV: Cell Biology

Study of plant cell with the help of epidermal peel mount of Onion / Rhoeo / Crinum
Cytochemical staining of DNA-feulgen and cell wall in the epidermal peel of onion
using Periodic Schiff’s (PAS) staining technique.
Measurement of cell size by the technique of micrometry.
Counting the cells per unit volume with the help of haemocytometer.
Study of phenomenon of plasmolysis and deplasmolysis
Study of effect of organic solvent and temperature on membrane permeability.
Study different stages of Mitosis and Meiosis.

Unit-V: Viva / Practical Record Books / Field study.

Botanical Excursion: visit to institute of microbial technology / visit to local

vegetation to understood about lower cryptogams and submission of excursion report.
Viva-voce covering entire syllabus by External Examiners
Submission of Practical Record Books.

Course outcome: The course will provide a detailed picture of cellular organisation of
lower cryptogam and eukaryotes.

BOT: DSM-151
Course Title: Angiosperm Morphology and Taxonomy
Credits: 3 Contact hours: 45 Marks: 100
(All units are of equal credits)

Course objective: To study the morphological features and classification of

angiosperms

Unit-I: Morphology
Study of modified roots, stems and leaves, phyllotaxy, inflorescence types (including
special types); evolution of inflorescence, aestivation and placentation, flower as a
modified shoot, types of fruits; floral formula, floral diagram, structure of fruits and
seeds. Role of Morphology in taxonomy.

Unit-II: Introduction to Plant Taxonomy

Definition and components of plant taxonomy (Identification, Classification and
nomenclature); taxonomic literature; Herbarium and its preparation, role of herbarium,
major herbarium of the world, central national herbarium; botanical gardens and their
role, major herbarium of the world and India, A J C Bose Indian Botanic Garden; Flora
and its contents, Flora of Assam and Flora of British India; Taxonomic keys;
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taxonomic evidences from morphology, palynology, cytology, phytochemistry and
molecular data; taxonomic hierarchy. Writing of plant description.

Unit-III: Botanical Nomenclature

Binomial nomenclature; ICN, its principles and rules, ranks and names, typification,
author citation, effective and valid publication, rejection of names, principles of
priority, naming of new taxon, naming of hybrids.

Unit-IV: Classification
History, types of classification-artificial, natural and phylogenetic; Bentham and
Hooker system, Engler and Prantl system and Tathkajan system of classifications.
Numerical taxonomy and cladistics; characters, character weighting and coding;
cluster analysis; phenograms, cladograms.

Unit-V: Angiosperm Families

Distinguishing characters, range of vegetative and floral characters and economically
important plants of Magnoliaceae, Asteraceae, Solanaceae, Lamiaceae,
Euphorbiaceae, Moraceae, Orchidaceae, Liliaceae, Musaceae and Poaceae. Flower
morphology of Orchids.

Course outcome: The course will give a comprehensive understanding of

morphological features of angiosperms and direct the taxonomic datasets of
angiosperms.

Suggested Readings
1. Singh, (2012). Plant Systematics: Theory and Practice Oxford & IBH Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.
3 rdedition.
2. Jeffrey, C. (1982). An Introduction to Plant Taxonomy. Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge.
3. Judd, W.S., Campbell, C.S., Kellogg, E.A., Stevens, P.F. (2002). Plant Systematics-A
Phylogenetic Approach. Sinauer Associates Inc., U.S.A. 2nd edition.
4. Maheshwari, J.K. (1963). Flora of Delhi. CSIR, New Delhi.
5. Radford, A.E. (1986). Fundamentals of Plant Systematics. Harper and Row, New York.
6. Jain, S. K. & Rao, R. R. (1977): A handbook of Field and Herbarium Methods.Today and
Tomorrow’s Printers and Publishers. New Delhi.
7. Singh, G. (2012): Plant Systematics, Theory and Practice. 3rd edition. Chaman Enterprises,
New Delhi.
8. Stace, C. A. (1989): Plant Systematice and Biosystematics. 2nd edition. Cambridge
University Press.Cambridge. UK.
9. Vasishta, P. C. (1974): Taxonomy of Angiosperms. 2nd edition. R. Chand & Co. New
Delhi.

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 BOT: IDC-151
Course Title: Biodiversity Conservation
Credits: 3 Contact hours: 45 Marks: 100
(All units are of equal credits)

Course objective: To study the conservation and management of biodiversity

Unit-I:
General account: Definition of biodiversity, levels of biodiversity, soil types of India,
Climate change; global warming; ozone layer depletion; acid rain and their impact on
human communities, agriculture and food security; climate of India, climatic regions of
India, diverse flora of India, diverse fauna of India, measuring biodiversity: alpha, beta
and gamma diversity.

Unit-II:
Global biodiversity: genetic diversity, species diversity, ecosystem diversity; keystone
species, biodiversity in tropics, conservation of biodiversity; ecology and economy,
bioethics and conservation, IUCN Red Data Book, Red List categories; Causes of
extinction; Endemism.

Unit-III:
Biodiversity of India: Value of Indian biodiversity, Indian biodiversity under serious
threat, causes of threats; Hotspots of Indian biodiversity; Germplasm and diversity, In
situ conservation; Ex situ conservation; Sustainability, Bioethics and tribal population;
Sustainable development rights; India as a mega-biodiversity Nation.

Unit-IV:
Protected areas: Status of biodiversity conservation, National Parks, Sanctuaries,
Biosphere reserves, Biodiversity act, Biopiracy, International efforts for conservation of
biodiversity; Mangrove conservation; Wildlife protection act; Forest protection act;
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD); The Biodiversity Act (2002); National
Environmental Policy (2004).

Unit-V:
Biogeographical regions: Endemism; Floristic regions of India; Vegetation of India
(Forest vegetation and grassland vegetation); Indian desert; Western Ghats; The Islands,
North-East India; Aims and objectives of Environmental Education; Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA); Role of important NGOs in Environmental protection in
India; India’s initiative for mitigating climate change.

Course outcome: The course will provide a comprehensive overview on the

conservation and management aspects of biodiversity and the importance of
biodiversity conservation in the era of climate change.

Suggested Readings:
1. Sharma, P.D. (2014): Ecology and Environment. 13th Edition, Rastogi Publications,
Meerut, India.

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2. Sodhi, N. S.; Raven, P.H.; Gibson, L. (2013): Conservation Biology: Voices from the
Tropics. John Wiley
3. Gleeson, B. and Low, N. (eds.) (1999): Global Ethics and Environment, London,
Routledge.
4. Asthana, D.K. and Asthana M. (2010): A textbook of Environmental studies (For
undergraduate students), S. Chand and Company Ltd., Ram Nagar, New Delhi.
5. Singh, J.S; Singh S.P. and Gupta S. R. (2008): Ecology and Environmental Science. S.
Chand and Company Ltd., Ram Nagar, New Delhi

BOT: SEC-151
Course Title: Mushroom Cultivation
Credits: 3 Contact hours: 60 Marks: 100
THEORY
Credits: 2 Contact hours: 30 Marks: 50
(All units are of equal credits)

Course objective: To study the diverse aspects of mushroom cultivation and its
economic and medicinal values

Unit-I: History of Mushroom Cultivation

Introduction, history. Nutritional and medicinal value of edible mushrooms; Poisonous
mushrooms. Types of edible mushrooms available in India - Volvariella volvacea,
Pleurotus citrinopileatus, Agaricus bisporus.

Unit-II: Cultivation Techniques

Infrastructure: substrates (locally available) Polythene bag, vessels, Inoculation
hook, inoculation loop, low cost stove, sieves, culture rack, mushroom unit
(Thatched house) water sprayer, tray, small polythene bag. Pure culture:
Medium, sterilization, preparation of spawn, multiplication

Unit-III: Mushroom bed Preparation

Mushroom bed preparation - paddy straw, sugarcane trash, maize straw,
banana leaves. Factors affecting the mushroom bed preparation - Low-cost
technology, composting technology in mushroom production.

Unit-IV: Storage and Nutrition

Storage and nutrition: Short-term storage (Refrigeration - upto 24 hours) Long term
Storage (canning, pickels, papads), drying, storage in saltsolutions. Nutrition -
Proteins - amino acids, mineral elements nutrition - Carbohydrates, Crude fibre
content - Vitamins.

Unit-V: Food Preparation

Food Preparation: Types of foods prepared from mushroom.Research Centres -
National level and Regional level. Cost benefit ratio - Marketing in India and abroad,
Export Value.

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Course outcome: The course will provide the basis to understand the diverse aspects of
mushroom cultivation and its importance.

Suggested Readings
1. Marimuthu, T. Krishnamoorthy, A.S. Sivaprakasam, K. and Jayarajan. R (1991) Oyster
Mushrooms, Department of Plant Pathology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University,
Coimbatore.
2. Swaminathan, M. (1990) Food and Nutrition. Bappco, The Bangalore Printing and
Publishing Co. Ltd., No. 88, Mysore Road, Bangalore - 560018.
3. Tewari, Pankaj Kapoor, S.C., (1988). Mushroom cultivation, Mittal Publications, Delhi.

SEC-151: PRACTICAL
Credit: 1 Contact Hours: 30 Marks: 30

1. Survey of edible mushroom available in this region.

2. Collection of required materials for mushroom cultivation.
3. Pure culture: Medium, sterilization, preparation of spawn
4. Mushroom bed preparation with paddy straw
5. Mushroom bed preparation with sugarcane trash.
6. Mushroom bed preparation with maize straw
7. Preparation compost for mushroom cultivation.
8. Storage techniques for mushroom.
9. Nutritional analysis of mushroom
10. Preparation of food item with mushroom.

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