Tamil Nadu HSE Second Year Botany study plan

List the salient features of algae, fungi, bryophytes, pteridophytes, and gymnosperms, and classify representative genera into their respective groups.

Compare the life cycles (haplontic, diplontic, haplo-diplontic) of the five plant groups and identify the dominant phase in each.

Explain the economic importance of algae and fungi with at least three examples each.

Apply the rules of binomial nomenclature (ICN) to correctly write scientific names of five common plants, including author citation and italics.

Differentiate between artificial, natural, and phylogenetic classification systems with one example of each.

Describe the light reactions (PS I and PS II, Z-scheme) and cyclic vs. non-cyclic photophosphorylation, and state the products of each.

Explain the Calvin cycle (C3) and C4 pathway (Hatch-Slack) with emphasis on the role of PEP carboxylase and bundle-sheath cells.

Outline glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, and calculate the net ATP yield from one glucose molecule.

Explain water potential, osmosis, transpiration pull, and the cohesion-tension theory of water ascent.

Classify essential mineral elements into macro- and micronutrients, and describe one deficiency symptom for each of five elements.

State Mendel's laws and solve monohybrid and dihybrid cross problems, including test cross and back cross ratios.

Explain chromosomal basis of inheritance: linkage, crossing over, and sex-linked inheritance with a worked example (e.g., colour blindness).

Describe the structure and function of the cell organelles: mitochondria, chloroplast, ribosome, and nucleus.

Outline the stages of mitosis and meiosis, and contrast their outcomes in terms of chromosome number and genetic variation.

Explain the molecular basis of inheritance: DNA structure, replication, transcription, and translation (central dogma).

Describe the structure of a typical flower (androecium, gynoecium, etc.) and classify flowers based on symmetry, sexuality, and ovary position.

Explain pollination types (self, cross, wind, water, insect) and list two adaptations for each.

Outline double fertilization and triple fusion, and trace the development of endosperm and embryo.

Define ecosystem, food chain, food web, and ecological pyramids; explain energy flow (10% law) with a diagram.

List the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss, and describe two in-situ and two ex-situ conservation methods.

Explain the steps in plant breeding (introduction, selection, hybridization, mutation breeding) and give one example of a improved crop variety.

Describe the tools of biotechnology: recombinant DNA technology, PCR, and DNA fingerprinting, with one application each.

List the economic importance of five major plant families (e.g., Fabaceae, Solanaceae) with examples of food, medicine, and fiber.

Demonstrate the correct use of a microscope and prepare a temporary slide of onion peel or leaf epidermis.

Describe a field study technique: quadrat method for estimating plant density and frequency.

Explain the role of plant growth regulators (auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, ABA, ethylene) in growth and development, with one physiological effect each.

Describe photoperiodism (short-day, long-day, day-neutral plants) and the role of phytochrome.

Explain vernalization and its significance in crop improvement.

Outline the process of seed germination and the factors affecting it.

Differentiate between phototropism, geotropism, and thigmotropism with examples.

Revisit the classification of algae, fungi, bryophytes, pteridophytes, and gymnosperms, and solve 20 objective questions (MCQ type) covering these groups.

Solve 15 genetics problems covering Mendelian ratios, pedigree analysis, and molecular genetics (transcription/translation).

Explain the causes of environmental issues: air pollution, water pollution, and global warming, with one control measure each.

Describe the importance of biodiversity hotspots in India (Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas) and the role of biosphere reserves.

Compare the reproductive adaptations of bryophytes, pteridophytes, and gymnosperms to land habit.

Review the salient features of the five kingdoms and the rules of nomenclature; solve 10 nomenclature questions.

Revisit cell cycle phases and organelle functions; answer 10 short-answer questions on cell biology.

Summarize the events of microsporogenesis, megasporogenesis, and fertilization; draw a labelled embryo sac.

List the steps in plant breeding and biotechnology; match five crops with their improved varieties.

Practice two practical record entries: one physiology experiment (e.g., transpiration) and one field study (e.g., herbarium preparation).