Introduction to Botany

Botany is the scientific study of plants, including their structure, properties, and biochemical processes.
It encompasses plant classification, physiology, ecology, and evolution.

Plant Taxonomy
- Classification and naming of plants.
- Hierarchical system: Kingdom, Division, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.
Plant Physiology
- Study of plant functions and processes.
- Key areas: photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, and nutrient uptake.
Plant Ecology
- Interactions of plants with their environment.
- Ecosystem dynamics, plant communities, and conservation.
Plant Anatomy
- Internal structure of plants.
- Study of tissues (vascular, dermal, ground) and organs (roots, stems, leaves).
Plant Genetics
- Heredity and variation in plants.
- Study of plant breeding, genetic modification, and evolution.
Ethnobotany
- Relationship between plants and human cultures.
- Use of plants for food, medicine, and rituals.

Photosynthesis
- Process by which green plants convert light energy into chemical energy.
- Formula: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.
Plant Reproduction
- Sexual reproduction: involves flowers, seeds, and pollination.
- Asexual reproduction: includes vegetative propagation (e.g., runners, bulbs).
Plant Development
- Growth stages: germination, vegetative growth, flowering, and fruiting.
- Influenced by hormones (auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins).

Angiosperms
- Flowering plants with seeds enclosed in fruits.
- Largest group of plants.
Gymnosperms
- Non-flowering plants with seeds exposed (e.g., conifers).
Bryophytes
- Non-vascular plants (e.g., mosses) that require moist environments.
Pteridophytes
- Vascular plants that reproduce via spores (e.g., ferns).

Food production: Agriculture and horticulture.
Medicine: Many drugs derived from plant compounds.
Environmental: Plants play a crucial role in ecosystems, oxygen production, and carbon sequestration.
Biodiversity: Understanding plant species contributes to conservation efforts.

Botany involves the scientific exploration of plants, examining aspects like structure, properties, and biochemical processes.
It includes multiple disciplines such as classification, physiology, ecology, and evolution.

Plant Taxonomy: Focuses on the classification and naming of plants using a hierarchical system: Kingdom, Division, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.
Plant Physiology: Investigates plant functions, emphasizing processes like photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, and how plants uptake nutrients.
Plant Ecology: Studies the relationships between plants and their environments, including ecosystem dynamics, plant communities, and conservation strategies.
Plant Anatomy: Analyzes the internal structure of plants, focusing on different tissue types: vascular (transport), dermal (protection), and ground (support), along with the organs (roots, stems, leaves).
Plant Genetics: Examines heredity and variation in plants, covering topics like breeding methods, genetic modification, and evolutionary processes.
Ethnobotany: Explores the interplay between plants and human cultures, particularly regarding the use of plants for food, medicinal purposes, and cultural rituals.

Photosynthesis: A vital process in which green plants convert light energy to chemical energy, represented by the formula: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.
Plant Reproduction: Encompasses sexual reproduction via flowers, seeds, and pollination, as well as asexual reproduction through vegetative methods like runners and bulbs.
Plant Development: Involves various growth stages: germination, vegetative growth, flowering, and fruiting, all regulated by plant hormones such as auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins.

Angiosperms: The largest group of plants, characterized by flowering and seeds enclosed in fruits.
Gymnosperms: Non-flowering plants with exposed seeds, commonly seen in conifers.
Bryophytes: Non-vascular plants, such as mosses, that thrive in moist environments.
Pteridophytes: Vascular plants that reproduce using spores, exemplified by ferns.

Contributes to food production through agriculture and horticulture.
Medicine relies heavily on plant-derived compounds for many pharmaceuticals.
Plays a crucial role in environmental health, facilitating oxygen production and carbon sequestration.
Enhances biodiversity knowledge, vital for conservation efforts and ecological balance.