Overview of Botany

Definition: The scientific study of plants, including their structure, properties, biochemical processes, classification, and interactions with their environment.
Branches of Botany:
- Plant Anatomy: Study of the internal structure of plants.
- Plant Physiology: Examination of plant functions and processes.
- Plant Ecology: Study of the relationships between plants and their environment.
- Plant Taxonomy: Classification and naming of plants.
- Plant Pathology: Study of plant diseases and their causes.

Roots: Anchor plants, absorb water and nutrients.
Stems: Support the plant, transport nutrients and water between roots and leaves.
Leaves: Main site of photosynthesis; contain chlorophyll.
Flowers: Reproductive structures that facilitate pollination and seed production.
Fruits: Mature ovary of a flower, containing seeds.

Process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.
Main components:
- Chlorophyll: Green pigment critical for absorbing light.
- Light Reactions: Convert solar energy into chemical energy (ATP and NADPH).
- Calvin Cycle: Uses ATP and NADPH to convert CO2 into glucose.

Kingdom Plantae: Divided into several groups based on characteristics.
- Non-Vascular Plants: Mosses and liverworts.
- Vascular Plants: Have xylem and phloem; includes ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms.
Angiosperms: Flowering plants; divided into monocots and dicots.

Asexual Reproduction: Involves vegetative propagation (e.g., runners, tubers).
Sexual Reproduction: Involves the formation of seeds through pollination and fertilization.
- Pollination: Transfer of pollen from male to female parts of flowers.
- Seed Dispersal: Mechanisms include wind, water, and animals.

Ecological Role: Plants are primary producers, forming the base of food chains.
Medicinal Uses: Source of many pharmaceuticals and traditional remedies.
Agriculture: Understanding plant biology leads to improved crop yields and sustainability.
Environmental Impact: Studying plants helps address issues like climate change and habitat loss.

Scientific study focused on plants' structure, properties, biochemical processes, classification, and environmental interactions.
Key branches include:
- Plant Anatomy: Analyzes internal structures of various plant types.
- Plant Physiology: Investigates physical functions and biological processes within plants.
- Plant Ecology: Explores how plants interact with their surrounding environment.
- Plant Taxonomy: Involves the classification and naming conventions of plant species.
- Plant Pathology: Examines diseases in plants, identifying causes and effects.

Roots: Stabilize plants while absorbing essential water and nutrients from the soil.
Stems: Provide physical support, acting as conduits for nutrient and water transport between roots and leaves.
Leaves: Primary sites for photosynthesis, containing chlorophyll which captures light energy.
Flowers: Serve reproductive purposes, facilitating the processes of pollination and seed generation.
Fruits: Develop from mature ovaries of flowers and contain seeds critical for plant reproduction.

Fundamental process through which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy.
Key components involved include:
- Chlorophyll: Green pigment vital for light absorption during photosynthesis.
- Light Reactions: Initial phase converting solar energy into chemical forms (ATP and NADPH).
- Calvin Cycle: Second phase that uses ATP and NADPH to transform carbon dioxide (CO2) into glucose.

Kingdom Plantae: Organized into groups based on distinguishing characteristics.
Non-Vascular Plants: Includes types such as mosses and liverworts, lacking vascular tissues.
Vascular Plants: Possess xylem and phloem; categories include ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms.
Angiosperms: Flowering plants categorized further into two major types: monocots and dicots.

Asexual Reproduction: Involves vegetative methods such as runners and tubers for plant propagation.
Sexual Reproduction: Relies on seed formation through processes of pollination and fertilization.
Pollination: Transfer of pollen is necessary for fertilization in flowering plants.
Seed Dispersal: Various mechanisms exist including wind, water, and animals to distribute seeds for growth.

Ecological Role: Plants serve as primary producers, forming foundational elements of terrestrial food chains.
Medicinal Uses: Provide crucial resources for pharmaceuticals and traditional medicine.
Agriculture: Knowledge of plant biology enables advancements in crop yields and sustainable farming practices.
Environmental Impact: Insights from plant studies contribute to solutions for climate change and habitat preservation challenges.