Overview of Botany

Definition: The science of plant life, focusing on structure, growth, reproduction, metabolism, development, diseases, and evolution of plants.
Branches: Covers various sub-disciplines, including:
- Plant Physiology: Study of plant functions and processes.
- Plant Ecology: Interaction of plants with their environment.
- Plant Taxonomy: Classification and naming of plants.
- Plant Anatomy: Structure and organization of plant tissues.
- Plant Genetics: Study of heredity and variation in plants.

Bryophytes:
- Non-vascular plants (e.g., mosses, liverworts).
- Reproduce via spores.
Pteridophytes:
- Vascular plants that reproduce via spores (e.g., ferns).
- Have roots, stems, and leaves.
Gymnosperms:
- Vascular plants with exposed seeds (e.g., conifers).
- Produce cones for reproduction.
Angiosperms:
- Flowering plants with seeds enclosed in fruit.
- Two main types:
  - Dicotyledons: Two seed leaves; more complex leaves.
  - Monocotyledons: One seed leaf; parallel leaf veins.

Roots: Anchor plants, absorb water and nutrients.
Stems: Support plant structure, transport nutrients and water.
Leaves: Site of photosynthesis, gas exchange through stomata.
Flowers: Reproductive structures facilitating pollination and fertilization.

Growth Factors:
- Hormones: Auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins influence growth.
- Environmental Conditions: Light, temperature, water, and nutrients are critical.
Reproduction:
- Asexual (vegetative propagation) vs. sexual (involves gametes).

Causes: Fungi, bacteria, viruses, and environmental factors.
Symptoms: Wilting, discoloration, stunted growth.
Management: Cultural practices, resistant varieties, fungicides, and pesticides.

The study of plant life, encompassing structure, growth, reproduction, metabolism, development, diseases, and evolution.
It's a broad science with various sub-disciplines:
- Plant Physiology: Investigates plant functions and processes.
- Plant Ecology: Focuses on plant interactions with their environment.
- Plant Taxonomy: Classifies and names plants systematically.
- Plant Anatomy: Studies the structure and organization of plant tissues.
- Plant Genetics: Explores heredity and variation in plants.

Bryophytes: Non-vascular plants like mosses and liverworts that reproduce using spores.
Pteridophytes: Vascular plants including ferns, which also reproduce through spores. They have roots, stems, and leaves.
Gymnosperms: Vascular plants with exposed seeds, like conifers. Cones are involved in their reproduction.
Angiosperms: Flowering plants with seeds enclosed within fruit. They are divided into two main groups:
- Dicotyledons: Characterized by two seed leaves, more complex leaves, and network-like leaf veins.
- Monocotyledons: Have one seed leaf, parallel leaf veins, and simpler leaves.

Roots: Essential for anchoring plants and absorbing water and nutrients from the soil.
Stems: Support plant structure and facilitate the transportation of nutrients and water between roots and leaves.
Leaves: The primary sites of photosynthesis, with stomata for gas exchange.
Flowers: Reproductive structures responsible for pollination and fertilization.

The process of converting light energy into chemical energy (glucose) for plant growth.
Formula: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
It's a crucial process, producing oxygen and forming the foundation of the food chain.

Crucial factors influencing plant growth:
- Hormones: Chemicals like auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins regulate growth processes.
- Environmental Conditions: Light, temperature, water availability, and nutrients are essential for optimal growth.
Reproduction in plants can be:
- Asexual (vegetative propagation): New plants arise from parts of a parent plant.
- Sexual (involving gametes): Reproductive process involving the fusion of male and female gametes.

Plants exhibit diverse adaptations depending on their environment:
- Desert Plants: Adaptations for water retention and survival in dry climates, like cacti.
- Aquatic Plants: Modified structures for buoyancy and survival in water, like water lilies.
- Tropical Plants: Adaptations for high humidity and abundant light, like orchids.

Caused by pathogens (fungi, bacteria, viruses) or environmental factors.
Symptoms can include wilting, discoloration, and stunted growth.
Management strategies include cultural practices, using resistant varieties, fungicides, and pesticides.

Ecological: Crucial for understanding ecosystems and biodiversity, as plants play vital roles in the environment.
Agricultural: Contributes to improving crop yield, developing pest and disease-resistant varieties, and ensuring food security.
Medicinal: Discovery of plant-based pharmaceuticals and traditional medicine practices.
Economic: Impacts industries like food production, textiles, and biofuels.