Syllabus for
Master of Science (Botany)
Academic Year  (2023)

The core biology subjects like Cytology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Statistics etc. which are offered in first year makes the students appreciate the implications of these subjects in botanical studies. Modules on Taxonomy, Analytical Techniques, Plant Tissue Culture and Phytochemistry would make them acquire skills in doing research in Universities and R & D Centres and also makes them employable in herbal drug industry. All the courses in the programme are carefully designed to equip the students for competitive exams like CSIR NET, SET etc. and also to write research proposals for grants.

Programme Outcome/Programme Learning Goals/Programme Learning Outcome:

PO2: Apply state of the art techniques in advanced plant science research

PO3: Understand and critically appraise new data arising from the use of techniques and to interpret the implications of data for the welfare of the society

PO4: Evaluate the commercial, ethical and regulatory aspects in plant sciences

PO5: Develop competency for employment and entrepreneurship

The evaluation scheme for each course shall contain two parts; (a) internal evaluation and (b) external evaluation. 50% weightage shall be given to internal evaluation and the remaining 50% to external evaluation and the ratio and weightage between internal and external is 1:1.  (a) Internal evaluation: The internal evaluation shall be based on predetermined transparent system involving periodic written tests, assignments, seminars and attendance in respect of theory courses and based on written tests, lab skill/records/viva and attendance in respect of practical courses.

In this course we survey the biological diversity of modern algae and fungi, with an eye toward understanding why studying plant diversity is important in our modern society. We consider first the traditional classification of algae and fungi, and how this system has been revolutionized by phylogenetic analyses of genetic and now genomic data. We then turn to study the evolutionary processes that generate biodiversity and the ecological processes that shape this diversity.

(a) History of algal classification. Detailed study of the classification by F. E. Fritsch. brief account on

classification (upto groups and divisions) by Edward Lee (2008). Gene sequencing and algal systematics.

(b) Centers of algal research in India. Contributions of Indian phycologists – M O P Iyengar, V

Krishnamurthy, T V Desikachary.

(a) Details of habit, habitat and distribution of Algae.

(b) Algal components: Cell wall, flagella, eye-spot, pigments, pyrenoid, photosynthetic products.

(c) Range of thallus structure and their evolution.

(d) Reproduction in algae: Different methods of reproduction, evolution of sex organs.

(e) Major characteristics of Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Xanthophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Dinophyceae, Phaeophyceae and Rhodophyceae.

(f) Major patterns of life cycles in algae and post fertilization stages in Phaeophyceae and Rhodophyceae.

(g) Fossil algae.

Ecological importance of Algae. Productivity of fresh water and marine environment. Algae in symbiotic association, Algae in polluted habitat, Algal indicators, Algal blooms.

Economic importance of Algae

(a) Algae as food, fodder, biofertilizer, medicine, industrial uses, and other useful products. Harmful effects of algae: Algal blooms, causative organisms, symptoms and toxins of major toxic algal blooms (Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning [ASP], Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning [PSP] and Cyanophycean toxins).

(b) Use of Algae in experimental studies.

(a) Methods and techniques of collection, preservation and staining of Algae.

(b) Algal culture: Importance, methods; Algal culture media.

General characters of Fungi and their significance. Principles of classification of fungi, Classifications by G C Ainsworth (1973) and C. J. Alexopoulos.

Mycelial structure and reproduction of;

(a) Myxomycota –Acrasiomycetes, Hydromyxomycetes, Myxomycetes, Plasmodiophoromycetes.

(b) Mastigomycotina - Chytridiomycetes, Hyphochytridiomycetes, Oomycetes.

(c) Zygomycotina - Zygomycetes, Trichomycetes.

(d) Ascomycotina - Hemiascomycetes, Pyrenomycetes, Plectomycetes, Discomycetes, Laboulbeniomycetes, Loculoascomycetes.

(e) Basidiomycotina - Teliomycetes, Hyphomycetes, Gastromycetes.

(f) Deuteromycotina - Blastomycetes, Hyphomycetes, Coelomycetes.

(g) Types of fruiting bodies in fungi.

(a) Symbionts - Lichens, Mycorrhiza, Fungus-insect mutualism.

(b) Parasites - Common fungal parasites of plants, humans, insects and nematodes.

(c) Saprophytes - Fungal decomposition of organic matter, coprophilous fungi, cellulolytic fungi, lignolytic fungi.

(d) Agricultural significance of Fungi - Mycoparasite, mycoherbicide.

i: Introduction to crop pathology: Classification of plant diseases based on; (a) Major causal agents - biotic

and abiotic, (b) General symptoms.

ii: Process of infection and pathogenesis:

(a) Penetration and entry of pathogen into host tissue – mechanical, physiological and enzymatic.

(b) Host-parasite interaction, enzymes and toxins in pathogenesis.

iii: Defense mechanism in plants: Pre-existing structural and biochemical defense mechanisms, lack of

essential nutrients. Induced structural and biochemical defense mechanisms, inactivation of pathogen

enzymes and toxins, altered biosynthetic pathways.

iv: Transmission of plant disease: Spread and transmission of plant diseases by wind, water, seeds and

vectors.

v: Plant disease management: Exclusion, eradication and protection. Chemical means of disease control –

common fungicides, antibiotics and nematicides. Biological means of disease control. Biotechnological

approaches to disease resistance: Fungi in agricultural biotechnology, control of fungal plant pathogens by

mycofungicides. Transgenic approaches to disease resistance.

vi: Major diseases in plants:

(a) Cereals: Rice - blast disease, bacterial blight; Wheat - black rust disease.

(b) Vegetables: Chilly - leaf spot; Ladies finger - vein clearing disease.

(c) Fruits: Banana - bacterial leaf blight, leaf spot; Mango - Anthracnose; Citrus - bacterial canker; Papaya –

mosaic.

(d) Spices: Ginger - rhizome rot; Pepper - quick wilt; Cardamom - marble mosaic disease.

(e) Oil seeds: Coconut - grey leaf spot, bud rot disease.

(f) Rubber yielding: Hevea braziliensis - abnormal leaf fall, powdery mildew.

(g) Sugar yielding: Sugarcane - red rot; root knot nematode.

(h) Cash crops: Arecanut - nut fall disease.

(i) Beverages: Tea - blister blight; Coffee - rust.

2. Gilbert M Smith (1971). Cryptogamic Botany (Vol. 1): Algae and Fungi. Tata McGraw Hill Edition.

3. C J Alexopoulos, M Blackwell, C W Mims. Introductory Mycology (IV Edn).

4. Jim Deacon (2006). Fungal Biology (IV Edn). Blackwell Publishing.

5. L N Nair (2010). Methods of microbial and plant biotechnology. New Central Book agency (P) Ltd.

6. Kanika Sharma. Manual of microbiology: Tools and techniques.

7. H C Dube (1983). An introduction to fungi. Vikas Publ. New Delhi.

2. Gilbert M Smith (1951). Manual of Phycology

3. Harnold C Bold, Michael J Wynne (1978). Introduction to Algae: Structure and reproduction, Prentice Hall.

4. Kanika Sharma. Manual of microbiology: Tools and techniques.

5. H C Dube (1983). An introduction to fungi. Vikas Publ. New Delhi.

CIA 2 (MID-SEMESTER EXAMINATION): 50 MARKS

CIA 3: 20 MARKS

ATTENDANCE: 10 MARKS

END SEMESTER EXAMINATION: 100 MARKS 

In this course we survey the biological diversity of modern algae and fungi and the methodology of their identification, with an eye toward understanding why studying to identify plant diversity is important in our modern society. We consider first the traditional classification of algae and fungi, and how this system has been revolutionized by phylogenetic analyses of genetic and now genomic data. We then turn to study the evolutionary processes that generate biodiversity and the ecological processes that shape this diversity.

1. Critical study of diagnostic features and identification of the following genera based on morphological, anatomical and reproductive parts;

(a) Cyanophyceae - Gleocapsa, Gleotrichia, Spirulina, Microcystis, Oscillatoria, Lyngbya, Anabaena, Nostoc, Rivularia, Scytonema.

(b) Chlorophyceae - Chlamydomonas, Eudorina, Pandorina, Volvox, Tetraspora, Ulothrix, Microspora, Ulva, Cladophora, Pithophora. Coleochaete, Chaetophora, Drapernaldia, Trentepohlia, Fritschiella, Cephaleuros, Oedogonium, Bulbochaete, Zygnema, Mougeotia, Sirogonium. Desmedium, Bryopsis, Acetabularia, Codium, Caulerpa, Halimeda, Neomeris, Chara, Nitella.

(c) Xanthophyceae – Vaucheria.

(d) Bacillariophyceae - Cyclotella , Pinnularia.

(e) Phaeophyceae - Ectocarpus, Colpomenia, Hydroclathrus, Dictyota, Padina, Sargassum, Turbinaria.

(f) Rhodophyceac - Brtrachospermum, Gelidium, Amphiroa, Gracilaria, Polysiphonia.

(g) Diatom permanent slide preparation - hot hydrogen peroxide method

(h) Quantitative analysis of phytoplankton using Sedgwick-Rafter cell.

2. Students are to collect and identify algae from different habitat or visit an Algal research station.

3. Prepare and submit a report of the field work/research station visit.

1. Critical study of the following types by preparing suitable micropreparations; Stemonitis, Physarum, Saprolegnia, Phytophthora, Albugo, Mucor, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Pilobolous, Saccharomyces, Xylaria, Peziza, Phyllochora, Puccinia, Termitomyces, Pleurotus, Auricularia, Polyporus, Lycoperdon, Dictyophora, Geastrum, Cyathus, Fusarium, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Pestalotia, Graphis, Parmelia, Cladonia, Usnea.

2. Isolation of fungi from soil and water by culture plate technique.

3. Estimation of mycorrhizal colonization in root.

4. Collection and identification of common field mushrooms (5 types).

1. Make suitable micro preparations and identify the diseases mentioned with due emphasis on symptoms and causative organisms.

2. Collection and preservation of specimens from infected plants. Submit 5 herbarium sheets/live specimens along with a report.

3. Calculation of Spore load on seeds using a Haemocytometer.

• Genetic Problems in Recombination and Linkage
• Genetic problems in quantitative genetics
• Genetic problems in population genetics
• Genetic problems in pedigree analysis
• Analysis of genetic data using SPSS.

2. Gilbert M Smith (1971). Cryptogamic Botany (Vol. 1): Algae and Fungi. Tata McGraw Hill Edition.

3. C J Alexopoulos, M Blackwell, C W Mims. Introductory Mycology (IV Edn).

2. C J Alexopoulos, M Blackwell, C W Mims. Introductory Mycology (IV Edn).

Record: 20 marks

Mid Semester exam: 40 marks

End Sem Exam: 100 marks

Microbes play a very significant role in the lives of higher organisms. The paper surveys the features of microbes like bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae and protozoa in order to make the students understand their biology so as to manipulate them. This course fulfils the basic knowledge in microbiology for those students who wish to pursue career in allied health fields and other technical programs.

History of Microbiology, Microscopy – Light, Phase contrast, Fluorescence & Electron microscopy – TEM and SEM, Physical and Chemical control of microorganisms, Classification and nomenclature of microorganisms, Bergey’s manual, Staining techniques - Gram’s, acid fast, capsular, flagellar and endospore staining. Microbial Taxonomy: Pure culture techniques (Streaking, spread plate, pour plate, serial dilution), Identification of microorganisms – Morphological, Biochemical, serological and molecular techniques. Microbial Culture preservation techniques.

Bacterial cell structure, classification based on shape and arrangement of cells, Cellwall, flagella, pili and capsule – structure & functions, endospore formation. Bacterial secretory system

Microbial metabolism: Aerobic, anaerobic respiration, fermentation, Catabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Bacterial photosynthesis, oxidation of inorganic molecules. Growth curve, factors affecting growth, Nutritional classification, Microbial associations (Mutualism, Syntrophism, Proto-cooperation, Commensalism, Ammensalism, Predation, Parasitism,), Stress physiology: effect of oxygen toxicity, pH, osmotic pressure, heat shock on bacteria, HSPs, thermophiles, halophiles, alkaliphiles, acidophiles, psychrophiles and barophiles and their adaptations and significance, Bacterial biofilm formation (mechanism and mode of resistance),  Nitrogen fixation mechanisms and genes involved.

Viruses – Structure and classification based on shape and nucleic acid, Plant viruses – symptoms, transmission and control strategies of TMV, CaMV, Animal viruses - DNA viruses: Hepatitis B virus. RNA viruses: HIV, Nipah virus and Coronavirus (structure, infection cycle and risk factors) Bacteriophages-. Life cycle of Lambda phage.. Cultivation and assay of viruses: Cultivation of viruses in embryonated eggs, experimental animals and cell cultures. 

Fungi:- Structural features, Ainsworth’s system of classification, salient features of division, reproduction of fungi, fungi as food, as plant pathogens, control measures of fungi, Mycorrhizae- ecto and endomycorrhizae, significance, Algae:- Salient features, classification (Fritsch’s) and reproduction, , Symbiotic algae, use as biofuel, Algae as SCP (advantages and disadvantages)

Concepts of pathogenesis, virulence and epidemiology, Disease classification - Epidemic, endemic and pandemics, CDC and its role, normal human microflora, gut microbiota and its relevance. Major Bacterial disease –Tuberculosis. Major parasitic diseases –Malaria, Diagnosis and control of infections, Antibiotic – types and mechanism of action, biomedical waste management, nosocomial infections, Drug resistance in bacteria – causes and consequences, superbugs.

Microbes in food manufacture (Yeast, Lactobacillus etc), food spoilage (Brucella, Bacillus, Clostridium, Escherichia etc, mycotoxins - aflatoxins, ochratoxins, ergot alkaloids), agriculture (Rhizobium, Trichoderma etc), environmental management, Biodegradation of Xenobiotics - hydrocarbons, pesticides and plastics, Bioleaching of Copper, Iron , Uranium, Gold.

CIA1: Assignment/test/poster preparation/review writing etc. for 20 marks

CIA2: MID SEMESTER EXAMINATION for 50 marks

CIA3: Assignment/test/poster preparation/review writing etc. for 20 marks

Attendance in class: 10 marks

END SEMSTER EXAMINATION: Consist of 2 sections. Section A consist of 10 questions carrying 5 marks each out of which students need to attempt 8 questions (8 X 5marks = 40 marks). Section B consists of 7 questions, carrying 12 marks each, out of which students need to attempt 5 questions (5 X 12 marks = 60 marks).

The paper is intended to develop understanding and provide scientific basis of the inanimate molecules that constitute living organisms. It also gives a thorough knowledge about the structure and function of biological macromolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids), and the metabolic and bioenergetic pathways within the cell. Students learn to interpret and solve clinical problems.

Forces and interactions of biomolecules; chemical bonds – Covalent and Ionic bond (bond energy), Stabilizing interactions (Van der Waals, electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interaction.), high energy molecules in living system (ATP, ADP, NAD, NADH, NADPH, FAD, FADH2). Buffers and Solutions: Concept of pH, pKa, titration curve, acids, bases and buffers, Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation, biological buffer solutions. Laws of thermodynamics, Concept of free energy, enthalpy, entropy, Coupled reactions, group transfer, biological energy transducers, redox potential. Principles of thermodynamics; Kinetics, dissociation and association constants; energy rich bonds and weak interactions; Bioenergetics.

Classification, structure and Properties of mono, oligo and polysaccharides. Chirality and optical activity, stereoisomerism, cyclic structure of monosaccharide, (pyranoses and furanoses) , structures of glucose. Absolute and relative configuration (D & L and R & S nomenclature). Disaccharides-structures of Maltose, Lactose, Sucrose, Trehalose, Raffinose. Polysaccharides. Structure and properties of homo and hetero polysaccharides. Storage polysaccharides. (Starch, Glycogen, cellulose, hemicellulose, and chitin) Derived sugars- Sugar acids (Aldonic, Aldaric and Saccharic acids), amino sugars. Derivatives of carbohydrates (Glycosaminoglycans, glycolipids, Proteoglycan and glycoproteins). Carbohydrate metabolism:Glycogenolysis, Glycogenesis, Glycolysis- Energetics and Regulation, Fermentation reactions (Lactic acid and alcoholic fermentation), Gluconeogenesis, Reciprocal regulation of Glycolysis and Gluconeogenesis, Citric acid cycle- Energetics and regulation, Glyoxylate cycle. Pentose phosphate pathway.

Amino acids - Structure, properties, classification and functions, modifications of amino acids in proteins, non-protein amino acids. Proteins - peptide bond, Ramachandran's plot, Structural organizations of proteins (primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary, Domains, Motifs & Folds),. Structure and functional classification of proteins. Structure- function relationship.Thermodynamics of protein folding, denaturation and renaturation with examples, chaperones and chaperonins. Protein turnover (ubiquitin-mediated). Membrane proteins: channels and pumps. Keratin, Silk fibroin, collagen triple helix and haemoglobin. Amino acid and Protein metabolism: Transamination, Deamination, Decarboxylation, urea cycle and its regulation, formation of uric acid.

Enzymes: Enzyme nomenclature and classification. Isozymes, Coenzymes and cofactor, Metalloenzymes, membrane bound enzymes, Multienzyme complexes, Ribozymes, proteases, nucleases. Isolation and purification of enzymes. Factors affecting enzyme activity. Mechanism of enzyme action, Active site and Specificity of enzyme. Theories on enzyme substrate complex. Free energy of enzyme reactions. Steady state kinetics. Michaelis-Menton, and Lineweaver–Burk equations. Enzyme inhibition –competitive, non – competitive, uncompetitive, mixed and irreversible inhibition. Allosteric regulation in metabolic pathways. Applications of enzymes, enzyme engineering (Protein engineering). Immobilization of enzymes and their application.

Classification- Structure, properties, reactions and biological functions of lipids, role as cell membranes. Phospholipids, Sphingo and glycolipids, Steroids, cholesterol, bile salts, steroid hormones, Cerebrosides, lip amino acids, lipoproteins, lipopolysaccharides, eicosanoids (Prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxane). Biosynthesis of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol. Beta oxidation of Fatty acids: activation, transport to mitochondria, metabolic pathway. Oxidation of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Alpha and omega oxidation, metabolic disorders, atherosclerosis, fatty liver, triglyceridemia, Tay-Sachs disease.

Structure and properties- Bases, Nucleosides, Nucleotides, Polynucleotides. Biosynthesis and regulation of purines and pyrimidines, Denovo and Salvage pathways, biodegradation of purines and pyrimidines.

Electron transport chain, Electron transfer reactions in mitochondria, Electron carriers, Ubiquinone, Cytochromes, Iron sulfur centers, Methods to determine sequence of electron carriers, Fractionation of Multi enzyme complexes I, II, III, IV of Mitochondria and their inhibitors, Oxidative phosphorylation, ATP synthesis, Chemiosmotic model, Proton gradient, Structure of ATP synthetase, Mechanism of ATP synthesis, Brown fat, Regulation of Oxidative phosphorylation.

Vitamins: Classification, Chemistry and Biological Functions, Fat and water soluble vitamins. Role in metabolism, Vitamins as coenzymes. Metabolic Disorders – A, B, C, D, K.

Hormones: Autocrine, paracrine and endocrine action. Endocrine glands. Classification of hormones, basic mechanism of hormone action, importance of TSH, T3, T4, Estrogen, Testosterone, HCG, FSH, LH, Prolactin, Progesterone, adrenaline, insulin and glucagon. Hormone imbalance and disorders: hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Polycystic Ovarian Disorder PCOD), Insulin Dependent Diabetes.

Plant Growth regulators: Physiological role and mechanism of action of plant growth hormones (Auxins, Gibberellins, Cytokinins, Ethylene, abscisic acid and Brassinosteroids), receptors and signal transduction and Systemic acquired resistance  (salicylic acid and jasmonic acid pathways). 

Nelson, D. C. and Cox, M.M., Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 5th Edition, W. H. Freeman, 2010.

Voet D., Voet J.G, Biochemistry 4th Edition., John Wiley and Sons, 2011.

Elliott, W.H., Elliott, D.C. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 3^rd Indian edition, Pub. Oxford.

Mathews, Van Holde and Ahern, Biochemistry by 3^rd edition, Pub Pearson education

Berg J.M., Tymoczko J.L. and Stryer L., Biochemistry. 7th edition, W.H. Freeman and Co. New York, 2011.

Kuchel, P.W., Ralston Schaums, G.B. Outlines of Biochemistry 2^nd edition Pub: Tata.

Devlin, T.M. (1997). Biochemistry with clinical correlations, Wiley-Liss Inc. NY

Zubey, G.L. Parson, W.W., Vance, D.E. (1994). Principles of Biochemistry WmC Brown publishers. Oxford.

Edwards and Hassall. Biochemistry and Physiology of the cell 2^ndEdn. McGraw Hill Co. UK. Ltd.

CIA1: Assignment/test/poster preparation/review writing etc. for 20 marks

CIA2: MID SEMESTER EXAMINATION for 50 marks

CIA3: Assignment/test/poster preparation/review writing etc. for 20 marks

Attendance in class: 10 marks

END SEMSTER EXAMINATION: Consist of 2 sections. Section A consist of 10 questions carrying 5 marks each out of which students need to attempt 8 questions (8 X 5marks = 40 marks). Section B consists of 7 questions, carrying 12 marks each, out of which students need to attempt 5 questions (5 X 12 marks = 60 marks).

• The chapters on genetics make them appreciate the flow of inherited characters from one generation to the other and study about the interaction of different genes in different organisms.
• The students will also gain knowledge related to quantitative, population and evolutionary genetics, in addition to microbial genetics.

Mendelism – basic principles (brief study). Extensions of Mendelism, Multiple allele, Genetic interaction, Epistatic interactions, Non-Epistatic inter-allelic genetic interactions, Atavism/Reversion, penetrance and expressivity of genes. Nonmendelian inheritance – cytoplasmic inheritance.

Sex Chromosomes and sex determination in animals and plants; Dosage Compensation of X-Linked Genes: Hyperactivation of X-linked genes in male Drosophila, Inactivation of X-linked genes in female mammals, Genes involved in sex determination,.Environment and sex determination, Hormonal control of Sex determination

Linkage and Crossing over - Stern’s hypothesis, Creighton and McClintock’s experiments, single cross over, multiple cross over, two-point cross, three-point cross, map distances, gene order, interference and co-efficient of coincidence. Haploid mapping (Neurospora), Mapping in bacteria and bacteriophages.

Pedigree analysis, determination of human genetic diseases by pedigree analysis, genetic mapping in human pedigrees.Heterochromatization in human beings,Human karyotype, Banding techniques, classification, use of Human Cyto-genetics in Medical science, Chromosomal abnormalities in spontaneous abortions

Polygenic inheritance, Statistics of Quantitative Genetics: Frequency distributions, the mean and the modal class, the variance and the standard deviation, Analysis of quantitative traits: -The multiple factor hypothesis, Partitioning the phenotypic variance; QTL, effect of environmental factors and artificial selection on polygenic inheritance.

(a) Gene pool, allele and genotype frequency. Hardy-Weinberg law and its applications, estimation of allele and genotype frequency of dominant genes, codominant genes, sex-linked genes and multiple alleles. Genetic equilibrium, genetic polymorphism.

(b) Factors that alter allelic frequencies; (i) mutation (ii) genetic drift - bottle neck effect and founder effect (iii) migration (iv) selection (v) nonrandom mating, inbreeding coefficient.

Emergence of evolutionary theory; Genetic Variation in Natural Populations: variation in phenotypes, variation in chromosome structure; Molecular Evolution: Molecules As “Documents of EvolutionaryHistory”, Molecular Phylogenies, Rates of Molecular Evolution, the Molecular Clock, Variation in the Evolution of Protein Sequences, Variation in the Evolution of DNA Sequences, The Neutral Theory of Molecular Evolution, Mutation And GeneticDrift, Molecular Evolution and Phenotypic Evolution. Species concept; Types of speciation. Mechanism of speciation - Genetic divergences and isolating mechanisms. Patterns of speciation - allopatric, sympatric, quantum and parapatric speciation, Pre-mating and Post mating isolating mechanisms, role of isolation in Speciation, Convergent evolution; sexual selection; co-evolution; Human Evolution: Humans and the Great Apes, Human Evolution in the Fossil Record, DNA Sequence Variation and Human Origins. Interaction of Genotype and Environment. 

Fundamentals of Bacterial and Viral Genetics, Genetic Transformation, Conjugation and the Escherichia coli Paradigm, Conjugation Systems Other than F, Genetics of Temperate Bacteriophages, Chromosomal aberrations: in oncogenes, Genetics of immune system,Congenital malformations,Invasive Prenatal diagnosis,Genetics and Society

1.      Benjamin Lewin (2000). Genes VII. Oxford university press.

2.      Gardner E J, Simmons M J, Snustad D P (1991). Principles of Genetics (III Edn). John Wiley and Sons Inc.

3.      Snustad D P, Simmons M J (2000). Principles of Genetics (III Edn). John Wiley and Sons.

4.      Strickberger (2005). Genetics (III Edn). Prentice Hall of India Pvt. Ltd.

5.      William S Klug, Michael R Cummings (1994). Concepts of Genetics. Prentice Hall.

      1.      Robert J Brooker (2009). Genetics: Analysis and principles (III Edn). McGraw Hill 

2.      Daniel L Hartl, Elizabeth W Jones (2009). Genetics: Analysis of genes and genomes (VII Edn). Jones and Bartlett publishers.

3.      D Peter Snustad, Michael J Simmons (2010). Principles of genetics (V Edn). John Wiley and Sons.

4.      George Ledyard Stebbins (1971). Process of Organic evolution.

5.      Roderic D M Page, Edward C Holmes (1998). Molecular Evolution: A phylogenetic approach.

6.      Blackwell Science Ltd.

7.      MaxtoshiNei, Sudhir Kumar (2000). Molecular Evolution and phylogenetics. Oxford University Press.

8.      Katy Human (2006). Biological evolution: An anthology of current thought. The Rosen publishing group, Inc.

9.      Monroe W Strickberger (1990). Evolution. Jones and Bartlett publishers.

10.  E d w a r d A . B i r g e, Bacterial and Bacteriophage Genetics, 5^th Ed. Springer

CIA1: Assignment/test/poster preparation/review writing etc. for 20 marks

CIA2: MID SEMESTER EXAMINATION for 50 marks

CIA3: Assignment/test/poster preparation/review writing etc. for 20 marks

Attendance in class: 10 marks

END SEMSTER EXAMINATION: Consist of 2 sections. Section A consist of 10 questions carrying 5 marks each out of which students need to attempt 8 questions (8 X 5marks = 40 marks). Section B consists of 7 questions, carrying 12 marks each, out of which students need to attempt 5 questions (5 X 12 marks = 60 marks).

To understand what is meant by concentration, by volume, and by amount, and their interrelationships

Make the students able to convert multiples of one unit to another

To make the students understand that there is a physical limit to the volume of a solution you can pipette, determined by your equipment

Fractions, Decimals and Percentages, Amounts, Volumes and Concentrations, Scientific Notation, Conversion of Units.

Solving Equations and Evaluating Expressions, Logarithms, Straight-Line and Non-Straight-Line Graphs, Rate of Change

Assignment - 10 

Mini project - 20 

exam -          20

1.      To understand the theoretical basis of conducting research

2.      To design a research

3.      Understanding the importance of the research paper

4.      To impart knowledge regarding the ethics in research

Need for research, stages of research; Basic concepts of research -Meaning, Objectives, Motivation and Approaches. Types of Research (Descriptive/Analytical, Applied/ Fundamental, Quantitative/Qualitative, Conceptual/ Empirical);

Research formulation -Observation and Facts, Prediction and explanation, Induction, Deduction; Defining and formulating the research problem, Selecting the problem and necessity of defining the problem

Laboratory record, CAS, Good Documentation Practises, Data Integrity

Workbook maintenance, Various funding agencies (National: ICMR, DST DBT etc and International:Humboldt-Forschungsstipendium), Project proposal writing, Research report writing (Thesis and dissertations, Research articles, Oral communications); Presentation techniques - Assignment, Seminar, Debate, Workshop, Colloquium, Conference.

Basic concept and parameters of various Indexing agencies: Scopus and SCImago (SNIP, SJR and CiteScore), Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics, Impact Factor) DOAJ, PubMed Central (PMC), ScienceDirect, Indexing types in UGC CARE (two tiers), other indexing agencies (Index Copernicus, Google Scholar, EMBASE etc), InFlibnet and Sodhganga

Concept on Open access, types (Gold & Green)

Types of articles, basic concept on DOI, ISBN, ISSN, ORCID, Crossmark-Crossref, Concept on Volume and Issue

Literature review -Importance of literature reviewing in defining a problem, Critical literature review, Identifying gap areas from literature review

Original research article; technique of writing, different sections, finding journals (Elsevier® JournalFinder and Springer Journal Suggester)

Basic concepts on Mini review, Short communication, Letter to the Editor. Commentaries, Book Chapter 

Concept on publishing houses: International (e.g. Elsevier, Springer-Nature, Taylor-Francis, Willey Online, Sage etc) and National (CSIR, Indian Academy of Science etc)

Concept on Peer review process

Concept on Predatory Journal, Beall’s List

Concept on Citations and References, Different referencing styles: APA, IEEE, MLA, and Chicago

Intellectual Property Rights - Copy right, Designs, Patents, Trademarks 

Referencing software (EndNote, Mendeley, Zotero), Processing software (MS Word, MS Excel) Statistical software (Minitab, SPSS- ANOVA, t Test, Regression)

Concept of Plagiarism (UGC guideline)

Animal Welfare Board of India, Committee for the Purpose of Control And Supervision of Experiments on Animals, hazards (symbols and NFPA Hazard Identification System) Extension: Lab to Field, Extension communication, Extension tools; Bioethics: Laws in India, Working with man and animals, Consent, Biodiversity Board (Central and states)

      2.      Dawson, C. Practical research methods. UBS Publishers, New Delhi. 2002.

2.      Ruzin, S.E. Plant micro technique and microscopy. Oxford University Press, New York, U.S.A., 1999.

• Microbes play a very significant role in the lives of higher organisms.
• The paper surveys the features of microbes like bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae and protozoa in order to make the students understand their biology so as to manipulate them.
• This course fulfils the basic knowledge in microbiology for those students who wish to pursue career in allied health fields and other technical programs. 

1.Safety rules, instrumentation and media preparation-- Nutrient agar, Potato dextrose Agar, differential media etc.

2.Staining techniques: Simple, Differential: acid-fast, endospore, capsule, cell wall, cytoplasmic inclusion, vital stains: flagella, spore and nuclear staining.

3.Collection and processing of clinical samples for microbiological examination

4.Antimicrobial susceptibility tests- a. Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test and Dilution sensitivity test-MIC and MBC against Yeast and other fungi.

5.Determination of Growth of bacteria, yeast and algae – Growth curve and generation time.

6.Isolation and culture of Rhizobium and production of biofertilizer

7.Biochemical tests Catalase, oxidase, IMViC, motility, gelatine test, urease,, nitrate reduction, acid and gas from glucose, starch, carbohydrate fermentation test, oxidative fermentative test.

8.Isolation of fungi from soil: Dilution plate method, Warcup method, stamping method.

9.Screening for antibiotic producing microbes (antibacterial, antifungal)

10. Visit to microbiology R & D lab.

1.            Laboratory safety guidelines

2.            Preparation of buffers applying HH equation

3.            Validation of Beer-Lambert’s Law (colorimetery and spectrophotometer)

4.            Qualitative and Quantitative analysis of carbohydrates

5.            Isolation and quantification of protein (Folin Lowry/BCA, Bradford).

6.            Estimation of proteins by Biuret method

7.            Determination of specific activity, Km & Vmax, Optimum pH, Temperature of Amylase/Alkaline phosphatase /protease/cellulase

8.        Estimation of cholesterol by Zaks method

9.        Estimation of IAA by Salkowskis method

10.        Estimation of Ascorbic acid in citrus using 2, 6 dichlorophenol Indophenol.

11.        Simple assays for vitamins and hormones

Mid Semester Examination: 20%

Record: 10%

End Semester Examination: 50%

This course covers various aspects of cell and molecular biology topics.

Discovery of Cells; Structure and Function of Cell Organelles (brief study): Mitochondria, Chloroplast, Vacuoles, Endoplasmic Reticulum, Golgi apparatus and Glyoxysomes. Structure and function of Biological Membrane: lipids, proteins and carbohydrates, simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion and active transport (primary and secondary).

(a) Cell communication: general principles. Signalling molecules and their receptors external and internal signals that modify metabolism, growth, and development of plants.

(b) Receptors: Cell surface receptors – ion-channel linked receptors, G-protein coupled receptors, and Tyrosine-kinase linked receptors (RTK), Steroid hormone receptors.

(c) Signal transduction pathways, Second messengers, Regulation of signaling pathways. Bacterial and plant two-component signaling systems.

(a) Cell growth and division. Phases of cell cycle, cell cycle control system; extracellular and intracellular signals. Cell cycle checkpoints - G1/S, G2/M and mitotic. – DNA damage checkpoint, centrosome duplication checkpoint, spindle assembly checkpoint. Cyclins and Cyclin-dependent kinases.

(b) Programmed cell death – molecular mechanism and control.

Functions of cytoskeleton; Structure, assembly, disassembly and regulation of filaments involved – actin filaments (microfilaments), microtubules, and intermediate filaments. Molecular motors – kinesins, dyneins, myosins.

(a) Identification of DNA as genetic material: Transformation experiment, Hershey Chase experiment. RNA as the genetic material in some viruses.

(b) Important features of Watson and Crick model of DNA structure, Chargaff’s rules, preferred tautomeric forms of bases.

(c) Alternative conformations of DNA – type(s) of right handed and left handed helices, DNA triplex and quadruplex. circular and linear DNA, single-stranded DNA.

(d) Structure and function of different types of RNA - mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, SnRNA, and Micro RNA. RNA tertiary structures. Ribozymes – Hammerhead ribozyme.

(a) c-value paradox, DNA renaturation kinetics, Tm, Cot curve. Unique and Repetitive DNA –mini- and microsatellites.

(b) Structure of chromatin and chromosomes - histones and nonhistone proteins, nucleosomal organization of chromatin, higher levels of chromatin structure. Heterochromatin and Euchromatin, formation of heterochromatin. Chromosomal packing and structure of metaphase chromosome. Molecular structure of the Centromere and Telomere.

(a) DNA replication: Unit of replication, enzymes and proteins involved in replication (in both procaryotes and eucaryotes). Structure of the replication origin (in both procaryotes and eucaryotes), priming (in both procaryotes and eucaryotes), replication fork, fidelity of replication. Process of replication – initiation, elongation and termination. Replication in the telomere - telomerase.

(b) DNA repair mechanisms: Direct repair, excision repair – base excision repair and nucleotideexcision repair (NER), eucaryotic excision repair – GG-NER, TC-NER. Mismatch repair, Recombination repair – homologous recombination repair, nonhomologous end joining, SOS response – Transletion DNA polymerase.

(c) Recombination: Homologous and nonhomologous recombination, molecular mechanism of homologous recombination. Site-specific recombination, transposition–types of transposons.

(a) Gene: Concept of gene; structural and genetic definitions – complementation test.

(b) Transcription in procaryotes: Initiation – promoter structure, structure of RNA polymerase, structure and role of sigma factors. Elongation – elongation complex, process of RNA synthesis. Termination – rho- dependent and rho-independent termination.

(c) Transcription in eucaryotes: Types, structure and roles of RNA polymerases. Promoters – important features of class I, II, & III promoters. Enhancers and silencers. General transcription factors and formation of pre-initiation complex. Elongation factors, structure and function of transcription factors.

(d) Post-transcriptional events: Split genes, splicing signals, splicing mechanisms of group I, II, III, and tRNA introns. Alternative splicing, exon shuffling, cis and trans splicing, Structure, formation and functions of 5’ cap and 3’ tail of mRNA, RNA editing, mRNA export.

(e) Translation: Important features of mRNA – ORF, RBS (10, 16). Fine structure, composition and assembly of procaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes. tRNA charging, initiator tRNA.

(f) Stages in translation: Initiation – formation of initiation complex in procaryotes and eucaryotes, initiation factors in procaryotes and eucaryotes, Kozak sequence. Elongation – process of polypeptide synthesis, active centers in ribosome - 3-site model, peptidyl transferase, elongation factors. Termination – process of termination, release factors, ribosome recycling.

(g) Genetic code: Cracking the genetic code – simulation synthetic polynucleotides and mixed copolymers, synthetic triplets. Important features of the genetic code, proof for the triplet code (10, 27), Exceptions to the standard code.

(h) Protein sorting and translocation: Cotranslational and posttranslational – signal sequences, SRP, translocon. Membrane insertion of proteins. Post-translational modification of proteins. Protein folding – self-assembly, role of chaperones in protein assembly.

(a) Viral system: Genetic control of lytic and lysogenic growth in λ phage, lytic cascade

(b) Prokaryotic system: Transcription switches, transcription regulators. Regulation of transcription initiation; Regulatory proteins - activators and repressors. Structure of Lac operator, CAP and repressor control of lac genes. Regulation after transcription initiation – regulation of amino acid biosynthetic operons- attenuation of trp operon, riboswitches.

(c) Eukaryotic system: Changes in chromatin and DNA structure – chromatin compaction, transcriptional activators and repressors involved in chromatin remodellin, gene amplification, gene rearrangement, alternate splicing, gene silencing by heterochromatization, and DNA methylation. Effect of regulatory transcription factors on transcription. Post-transcriptional control – mRNA stability, RNA interference, micro RNA. Role of small RNA in heterochromatization and gene silencing.

2. Geoffrey M Cooper, Robert E Hausman (2009). The Cell: A molecular approach (V Edn). Sinaeur. Gerald Karp (2008). Cell and Molecular biology: Concepts and experiments (V Edn). John Wiley & Sons.

4. Harvey Lodish, Arnold Berk, Lawrence Zipursky, Paul Matsudaira, David Baltimore, James Darnell (2000). Molecular cell biology (IV Edn). W H Freeman & Company.

2. Robert J Brooker (2009). Genetics: analysis and principles (III Edn). McGraw Hill.

3. Jocelyn E Krebs, Elliott S Goldstein, Stephen T Kilpatrick (2011). Lewin’s Genes X. Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

4. Bob B Buchanan, Wilhelm Gruissem, Russel L Jones (2000). Biochemistry and Molecular biology of plants. I K International Pvt. Ltd.

5. Daniel L Hartl, Elizabeth W Jones (2012). Genetics: Analysis of genes and genomes (VII Edn). Jones and Bartlett publishers.

6. James D Watson, Tania A Baker, Stephen P Bell, Alexander Gann, Michael Levine, Richard Losick (2009). Molecular biology of the gene (V Edn). Pearson.

7. William S Klug, Michael R Cummings (2004). Concepts of Genetics (VII Edn). Pearson.

8. Daniel J Fairbanks, W Ralph Anderson (1999). Genetics: The continuity of life. Brooks/Cole publishing company.

9. Robert F Weaver (2002). Molecular biology (II Edn). McGraw Hill.

10. Bruce Alberts, Dennis Bray, Karen Hopkin, Alexander Johnson, Julian Lewis, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter (2010). Essential Cell Biology. Garland Science.

11. Leland H Hartwell, Leroy Hood, Michael L Goldberg, Ann E Reynolds, Lee M Silver, Ruth C Veres (2004). Genetics from genes to genomes (II Edn). McGraw Hill.

12. Harvey Lodish, Arnold Berk, Chris A. Kaiser, Monty Krieger, Matthew P. Scott, Anthony Bretscher, Hidde Ploegh, Paul Matsudaira (2007). Molecular cell biology (VI Edn). W H Freeman & Company.

13. James D. Watson, Amy A. Caudy, Richard M. Myers, Jan A. Witkowski (2007). Recombinant DNA (III Edn). W H Freeman.

14. William H Elliott, Daphne C Elliott (2001). Biochemistry and molecular biology (II Edn). Oxford.

15. Jeremy M Berg, John L Tymoczko, Lubert Stryer, Gregory J Gatto Jr. (2007). Biochemistry. W H Freeman & company.

16. David P Clark (2010). Molecular biology. Elsevier.

17. David R Hyde (2010). Genetics and molecular biology. Tata McGraw Hill.

18. D Peter Snustad, Michael J Simmons (2010). Principles of genetics (V Edn). John Wiley and Sons.

19. David A Micklos, Greg A Freyer with David A Crotty (2003). DNA Science: A first course (II Edn). L K Inter.

20. Benjamin A Pierce (2008). Genetics: A conceptual approach (IV Edn). W H Freeman and Company.

21. Anthony J F Griffiths, Susan R Wesler, Sean B Carroll, John Doebley (2012). Introduction to genetic analysis. W H Freeman & Company.

22. T A Brown (2002). Genomes (II Edn). Bios.

23. Robert H Tamarin (2002). Principles of genetics. McGraw Hill.

24. David E Sadava (2009). Cell biology: Organelle structure and function. CBS.

25. Bruce Alberts, Alexander Johnson, Julian Lewis, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter (2010). Essential Cell Biology (III Edn.). Garland Science.

26. Pranav Kumar, Usha Mina (2011). Biotechnology: A problem approach. Pathfinder Academy.

27. Burton E Tropp (2012). Molecular biology: Genes to Proteins (IV Edn). Jones and Bartlett Learning.

28. Lynne Cassimeris, Viswanath R Lingappa, George Plopper (Eds) (2011). Lewin’s Cells (II Edn). Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

CIA 2 (MID-SEM): 50 MARKS

CIA 3: 20 MARKS

ATTENDANCE: 10 MARKS

END SEM: 100 MARKS

The course deals in detail about the primitive non-flowering plants, namely, the bryophytes, pteridophytes and gymnosperms. The course covers in depth about the distribution, classification, morphology, anatomy and ontology of different plants belonging to the above mentioned groups. The course also deals in detail about important fossil forms of pteridophytes and gymnosperms which will give an idea of the paleobotany and morphological origin of land plants.

Introduction to Bryophytes, their fossil history and evolution. Concept of algal and pteridophytic origin of

Bryophytes. General characters of Bryophytes. History of classification of Bryophytes.

(a) Bryophyte habitats. Water relations - absorption and conduction, xerophytic adaptations, drought

tolerance, desiccation and rehydration, ectohydric, endohydric and myxohydric Bryophytes.

(b) Ecological significance of Bryophytes - role as pollution indicators.

(c) Economic importance of Bryophytes.

Comparative structural organization of gametophytes and sporophytes in an evolutionary perspective.

Asexual and sexual reproductive structures, spore dispersal mechanisms and germination of the following

groups with reference to the types mentioned in the practical (development of sex organs not necessary).

(a) Hepaticopsida (Sphaerocarpales, Marchantiales, Jungermanniales and Calobryales).

(b) Anthocerotopsida (Anthocerotales).

 (c) Bryopsida (Sphagnales, Polytrichales and Bryales).

Introduction: General characteristics, alternation of generations,  theories of origin of pteridophytes. Modern phylogenetic classification of pteridophytes versus classical classification. New terminology to describe pteridophytes: monilophytes. Evolution of tracheophytes.

a) Distribution, habitat, range, external and internal morphology of sporophytes, spores, mechanism of spore dispersal, gametophytic generation, sexuality, embryogeny of the following classes of Pteridophytes with reference to the genera mentioned (development of sex organs is not necessary):

(I) Psilopsida (a) Rhyniales; Rhynia, Psilophyton, Cooksonia

(II) Psilotopsida (a) Psilotales; Psilotum

(III) Lycopsida Fossil forms (a) Zosterophyllales:  Asteroxylon, Sawdonia (b) Drepanophyacales: Asteroxylon, Baragwanathia (c) Protolepidodendrales; Protolepidodendron, Sigillaria Extant forms: (a) Lycopodiales; Lycopodium and allied genera (c) Isoetales; Isoetes (d) Selaginellales; Selaginella.

(IV) Sphenopsida (a) Hyeniales (b) Sphenophyllales; Sphenophyllum (c) Calamitales; Calamites (d) Equisetales; Equisetum.

(V) Pteropsida (i) Primofilices (a) Cladoxylales; Cladoxylon (b) Coenopteridales.

(ii) Eusporangiatae (a) Marattiales; Angiopteris (b) Ophioglossales; Ophioglossum.

(iii) Osmundales; Osmunda.

(iv) Leptosporangiatae (a) Marsileales; Marsilea (b) Salviniales; Salvinia, Azolla (c) Filicales; Pteris, Lygodium, Acrostichum, Gleichenia, Adiantum.

b) Comparative study of Pteridophytes 

 Stelar evolution in pteridophytes, soral and sporangial characters and their evolution, gametophytes and sporophytes of pteridophytes in an evolutionary perspective.

Ecological and economic significance of pteridophytes.

 Origin, general characteristics, distribution and classification of Gymnosperms (K R Sporne and C J Chamberlain). Distribution of living gymnosperms in India.

i) Detailed study of the vegetative morphology, internal structure, reproductive structures, and evolution of the orders and families (with reference to the genera mentioned).

(a) Class Progymnospermopsida: Aneurophyton, 

(b) Class Cycadopsida: Lyginopteris, Glossopteris, Medullosa, Caytonia. Bennettites, Cycadeoidea, Willamsonia, Williamsoniella, Nilsonia, Cycas, Zamia, Pentoxylon. Nipanioxylon

(c) Phylogeny and biogeography of cycadales

(d) Class Coniferopsida: General account of families under Coniferales, range of form and structure of stem, leaves; range of form, structure and evolution of female cones in coniferales such as Pinus, Araucaria, Taxus and Ginkgo. 

(e) Class Gnetopsida: Gnetum, Welwitschia, Ephedra 

ii) Gametophyte development and economic importance of Gymnosperms 

 General account on the male and female gametophyte development in Gymnosperms (Cycas). Economic significance of Gymnosperms.

2. Pandey B P (1994). Bryophyta. S Chand and Co. Ltd.

3. Goffinet B, A J Shaw (2009). Bryophytic Biology (II Edn). Cambridge University Press.

4. Srivastava S N (1992). Bryophyta. Pradeep Publication

5. Agashe S N (1995). Palaeobotany. Oxford and IBH publishing House.

6. Arnold C R (1977). Introduction to Palaeobotany. McGraw Hill Book Com.

7. Chandra S, Srivastava M (Eds) (2003). Pteridology in the New Millennium. Khuwar Acad. Publishers.

8. Beddome C R H (1970). Ferns of south India. Today & Tommorrows Publ.

9. Dyer A F (1979). The experimental biology of ferns. Academic Press.

2. Khullar S P (2000). An illustrated fern flora of West Himalayas (Vol I, II). International Book Distributors

CIA2: 50%

CIA3: 20%

Attendance: 10%

End Sem Examination: 100%

The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to recombinant DNA technology. It helps the students to understand how the principles of molecular biology have been used to develop techniques in recombinant DNA technology. The objective of the course is to familiarize the student with the basic concepts in genetic engineering - enzymes, cloning vehicles, gene libraries, analysis and expression of the cloned gene in host cell and understand ethical issues and biosafety regulations. It gives emphasis to practical applications of genetic engineering tools in the field of health care. At the end of the course the student will have enough background of recombinant DNA technology essential for taking up projects in the field of Biotechnology.

1. Isolation of DNA from plants by CTAB method

2. Plasmid DNA isolation by alkaline lysis method

3. Agarose gel electrophoresis

4. Restriction digestion of DNA and Ligation of DNA

5. Estimation of DNA by DPA method

6. Estimation of RNA by Orcinol method

7. Competent cell preparation and transformation of E.coli

8. Polymerase Chain reaction

9. Primer design

10. Gel-band purification of DNA

11. Southern Blotting and Hybridization

12. Molecular markers- RAPD and RFLP

1. Thin Layer Chromatography of amino acids

2. Estimation of amino acid by Ninhydrin Method

3. Extraction of phytochemicals using Soxhlet apparatus and thin layer chromatography using commercial

silica plate

4. Quantitative sugar estimation by Benedict’s Assay

5. Column Chromatography

6. Purification of phytochemicals and HPLC analysis

7. Affinity chromatography

8. Native PAGE and Zymography

9. Density Gradient Centrifugation (Separation of lymphocytes from blood) and haemocytometer count

10. Partial purification by Ammonium sulfate precipitation and estimation of protein

11. Databases: ENTREZ, NCBI, UniProt, PDB, EXPASY, BLAST

12. Molecular Docking (Rasmol, Avogadro, PatchDock)

13. Multiple sequence alignment and Construction of Dendrogram

2. William S Klug, Michael R Cummings (2004). Concepts of Genetics (VII Edn). Pearson.

3. Daniel J Fairbanks, W Ralph Anderson (1999). Genetics: The continuity of life. Brooks/Cole publishing company.

2. Benjamin A Pierce (2008). Genetics: A conceptual approach (IV Edn). W H Freeman and Company.

3. Anthony J F Griffiths, Susan R Wesler, Sean B Carroll, John Doebley (2012). Introduction to genetic analysis. W H Freeman & Company.

4. T A Brown (2002). Genomes (II Edn). Bios.

5. Robert H Tamarin (2002). Principles of genetics. McGraw Hill.

Record: 20 marks

Mid-Sem exam: 40 marks

End-Sem exam: 100 marks

Cell and molecular biology Lab deals with the isolation of protein from animal and plant source using different methods and also the estimation of DNA, RNA and protein.  The practical of Archegoniate deals with understanding and appreciate the diversity existing among the plant kingdom.

• Study of Plasmolysis- deplasmolysis using micrometry

• Isolation and enumeration of mitochondria from yeast cells

• Isolation and enumeration of chloroplast from spinach

• Estimation of chlorophyll in isolated chloroplasts

• Comparative study of chloroplast number and chlorophyll content in different plant families

Bryotphytes (30 hours)

1. Detailed study of the structure of gametophytes and sporophytes of the following genera of bryophytes by suitable micropreparation: Riccia, Cyathodium, Marchantia, Lunularia, Reboulia, Pallavicinia, Fossombronia, Porella, Anthoceros, Notothylas,Sphagnum, Pogonatum.

2. Students are expected to submit a report of field trip to bryophyte’s natural habitats to familiarize with the diversity of Bryophytes.

Pteridophytes (30 hrs)

1. Study of morphology and anatomy of vegetative and reproductive organs using clear whole mounts/sections of the following genera: Psilotum, Lycopodium, Isoetes, Selaginella, Equisetum, Angiopteris, Ophioglossum, Osmunda, Marsilea, Salvinia, Azolla, Lygodium, Acrostichum, Gleichenia, Pteris, Adiantum, Polypodium and Asplenium.

2. Study of fossil Pteridophytes with the help of specimens and permanent slides.

3. Field trips to familiarize with the diversity of Pteridophytes in natural habitats.

Gymnosperms (30 hrs)

1. Study of the morphology and anatomy of vegetative and reproductive parts of Cycas, Zamia, Pinus, Cupressus, Agathis, Araucaria and Gnetum.

2. Study of fossil gymnosperms through specimens and permanent slides.

3. Conduct field trips to familiarize various gymnosperms in nature and field identification of Indian gymnosperms and submit a report.

S Sadasivam, A. Manickam. Biochemical Methods. 2Ed, Delhi: New Age International Publishers Ltd, 1996.

1. Gardner E J, Simmons M J, Snustad D P (1991). Principles of Genetics (III Edn). John Wiley and Sons Inc.

2. Snustad D P, Simmons M J (2000). Principles of Genetics (III Edn). John Wiley and Son

The objective of the course is to impart in depth knowledge about the concepts in genetic engineering - enzymes, biology of cloning vehicles, vector and host considerations, gene libraries, analysis and expression of the cloned gene in host cell and understand ethical issues and biosafety regulations. It gives emphasis to practical applications of genetic engineering tools in academic and industrial research. At the end of the course the student will have detailed knowledge of recombinant DNA technology essential for taking up projects in the field of Biotechnology.

Introduction to rDNA technology, DNA modifying enzymes and its functions (DNA Polymerases, Klenow fragment, Ligase, S1 Nuclease, Mung Bean nuclease, Alkaline Phosphatase, Terminal Transferase, Polynucleotide kinases, Polynucleotide phosphorylase, Calf intestinal alkaline Phosphatases, Shrimp Alkaline Phosphatases, RNase A, RNase H, DNase 1, DNase II, Exonuclease III, Reverse Transcriptase) Restriction modification system, Restriction enzymes – function, classification (Based on recognition and restriction sequence:-type I, II and III; based on buffer salt concentration: - low, medium and high; based on pattern of restriction:-sticky (5’ and 3’) and blunt end cutters, Plasmids (Types, copy number, properties, origin of replication and incompatibility group, plasmid amplification), bacteriophages eg. λ (Life cycle, genome organization, feasibility as a cloning vehicle), Types of Cloning Vectors (structure and general features of General Purpose cloning vectors, Expression vectors, Promotor probe Vectors, shuttle vectors), Examples of cloning vectors (pBR322, pUC series of vectors, λ insertional and replacement vectors), derivatives of phages and plasmids (cosmids, phagemids, phasmids) cloning vectors for large DNA fragments and genomic DNA library YACs, PACs and BACs. Host and vector consideration, Host Organisms and its genotypes- JM 109 & DH5α, Selectable and scorable markers, reporter genes, prokaryotic and eukaryotic markers (lacZ, CAT, Gus, GFP, cre-loxP system, sac B system, npt II gene, luciferase gene, dhfr gene, herbicide resistance gene)

General strategies for isolation of genomic and plasmid DNA, RNA, strategies for isolation of gene of interest (restriction digestion, PCR), Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) - Basic principle, methodology, Gradient PCR, Hot start PCR Touchdown PCR, inverse PCR RT PCR, Real time PCR, Creation of r-DNA (Restriction Digestion, modification of vector and insert, linker, adaptors, homopolymer tailing, ligation), PCR Cloning, Construction of genomic and cDNA libraries (Selection of vectors and Complexity of library), Methods of gene transfer- Calcium chloride mediated, Electroporation, Biolistic gun, lipofection and microinjection. In vitro packaging.

Blotting techniques- Southern, Northern and Western, Differential display. Gene sequencing- Chemical, enzymatic, pyrosequencing, next generation sequencing, Immunological screening and colony and plaque hybridization, dot blot hybridization, chromosome walking, FISH, RACE, Chromosome walking

Protein production by foreign DNA in the host bacteria E. coli, Factors influencing expression, properties of expression vector, examples of expression vectors, tags for purification of expressed proteins, FLAG expression vector system, cloning in pET vectors, eukaryotic vectors- Baculovirus based vectors, mammalian viral vectors., expression Host, Modification and folding of protein in-vitro, genome editing, CRISPR/Cas9 and Targeted Genome Editing

RNA interference and gene silencing, Transgenic organisms, Advantages and disadvantages of Genetically Modified Organisms, Transgenic animal- Gene therapy. The Use of Transgenic animals in areas other than recombinant protein production. Transgenic plants- applications, special emphasis to pharmaceutical products. Engineered Nutritional Changes- golden rice, Engineered herbicide resistance, Engineered pesticide resistance. Production of recombinant proteins (Insulin), recombinant vaccines (Hepatitis B), Hormones (Human growth hormone). Genome projects and its Applications. International treaties/agreements in biosafety, public perception on rDNA technology, IPR related to rDNA technology

2.     E. L. Winnacker, From Genes to Clones Introduction to Gene Technology, New Delhi, India: Panima Publishing Corporation, 2003.

3.     T. A. Brown, Gene Cloning and DNA Analysis-An Introduction. 5th ed. UK: Wiley Blackwell Publishers. 2006.

2.     B. R. Glick. J. J. Pasternak and C. L. Patten. Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and application of recombinant DNA. 4th ed. Washington D. C: American Society for Microbiology Press, 2010.

3.     S. B. Primrose, R. M. Twyman and R. W. Old, Principles of Gene Manipulation, 6th ed. USA: Wiley-Blackwell, 2001

4.     K. Wilson and J. Walker, Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 7th ed. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2010.

5.     J.  W.  Dale, M. von Schantz and N. Plant, From Genes to Genomes: Concepts and Applications of DNA Technology, USA: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2012

CIA1: Assignment/test/poster preparation/review writing etc. for 20 marks

CIA2: MID SEMESTER EXAMINATION for 50 marks

CIA3: Assignment/test/poster preparation/review writing etc. for 20 marks

Attendance in class: 10 marks

END SEMSTER EXAMINATION: Consist of 2 sections. Section A consist of 10 questions carrying 5 marks each out of which students need to attempt 8 questions (8 X 5marks = 40 marks). Section B consists of 7 questions, carrying 12 marks each, out of which students need to attempt 5 questions (5 X 12 marks = 60 marks).

• Analytical tools are becoming very important tools in different fields of Biology.
• The paper deals with the principle, instrumentation and uses of such tools. 
• This course fulfils the basic knowledge in analytical techniques for those students who wish to pursue career in allied health fields and other technical programs.

Classes of Phytochemicals, Preparation of extracts for biochemical investigations, methods of extraction of phytochemicals (Maceration, Soxhlet, Microwave assisted, Ultrasonic, Pressurized liquid extraction and Solid Phase Micro Extraction). Type and choice of solvents (Polar and Non polar). Breaking of cells by chemical (detergent, solvent and enzyme) and physical methods (mechanical and non-mechanical), ultrasonication, pressure cell disintegrators, detection of cell-free and cell-bound proteins, Ammonium sulphate precipitation

Concept on Chromatography (Column, Planar, Mobile phase and Stationary phase, Column packing and quality check, TLC, HPTLC, FPLC, HPLC, Stationary Phases-Reverse Phase, Ion Exchange and Size Exclusion, Gas Chromatography, Applications)

Concept on Centrifugation (Differential and Density gradient, types of rotors, Analytical Ultra Centrifuge, Applications)

Concept on Electrophoresis (DNA, RNA and Protein gel electrophoresis, EMSA)

Spectroscopy: Absorption and emission spectra. Electromagnetic radiation. Fluorescence and phosphorescence, Beer- Lambert’s law, principle, operation and applications of Colorimeter, Spectrophotometer, Concept of Stoke’s shift- hypochromicity, hyperchromicity, fluorimeter, flame photometer, Atomic absorption spectrophotometer. IR, Mass spectroscopy and NMR, ICP-MS, S, X ray crystallography.

Radioisotope techniques: Nature of radioactivity, isotopes in biochemistry, measurement of radioactivity (carbon dating, Geiger-Muller counting and liquid scintillation counting). Detection of proteins (Western Blot and ELISA), Detection of nucleic acid (Spectrophotometry, Nanodrop technique, Microarray), Microscopic detection and diagnostics based on nanotechnology

Basic Concept and applications, Concept on databases (NCBI databases, EBI databases, KEGG, DDBJ, DrugBank, IMPPAT, Dr. Duke etc), Multiple Sequence Alignment, Construction of phylogenetic trees (basic concept with different methods like UPGMA), Next generation sequencing (basic concept), Computer Assisted Drug Design (Basic concept on Molecular docking, QSAR, ADME analysis and Molecular Dynamic simulation), Overview on Rice and Human Genome Project

T. Attwood and P. Smith. Introduction to Bioinformatics, USA: Pearson Education, 2007.

Brown TA. Genome III. Garland Science Publ.2007

Azuaje F &Dopazo J. Data Analysis and Visualization in Genomics and Proteomics. John Wiley & Sons.2005

K. Wilson and J. Walker,Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 7th ed.New York: Cambridge University Press, 2010.

S. B. Primrose and R. Twyman R. Principles of Gene Manipulation and Genomics. USA: John Wiley and Sons, 2013.

Gibson G & Muse SV. 2004. A Primer of Genome Science. Sinauer

Associates.

W. Taylor and D. Higgins. Bioinformatics: Sequence, Structure and Databanks: A    Practical Approach, Oxford, 2000.

Jollès P &Jörnvall H. 2000. Proteomics in Functional Genomics: Protein

Structure Analysis.

Campbell AM &Heyer L. 2004. Discovery Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics. Pearson Education.

CIA1: Assignment/test/poster preparation/review writing etc. for 20 marks

CIA2: MID SEMESTER EXAMINATION for 50 marks

CIA3: Assignment/test/poster preparation/review writing etc. for 20 marks

Attendance in class: 10 marks

END SEMSTER EXAMINATION: Consist of 2 sections. Section A consist of 10 questions carrying 5 marks each out of which students need to attempt 8 questions (8 X 5marks = 40 marks). Section B consists of 7 questions, carrying 12 marks each, out of which students need to attempt 5 questions (5 X 12 marks = 60 marks).

Students will also gain knowledge about the involvement of statistics in research.

The scope of biostatistics; Classification of study design, Observational studies and Experimental studies (uncontrolled studies, trials with external controls, crossover studies, trials with self-controls, trials with independent concurrent controls); Exploration and presentation of data: Scales of measurement, Tables, Graphs, Histograms, Box and Whisker plots, Frequency polygon, Scatter Plots, Principle component analysis.

Definition, mutually exclusive events and addition rule, independent events and multiplication rule. Sampling: Reasons for sampling, methods of sampling, SRS, Systematic, Stratified, Cluster, NPS. Probability distribution: Binomial, Poisson, Gaussian, Standard normal distribution. Drawing inferences from data: Tests of significance: Statistical inference – estimation - testing of hypothesis - t-test, Chi square test (goodness of fit, independence or association, detection of linkages), Z-test, Confidence intervals, Confidence limits, Hypothesis tests, Types of errors, P-values.

Decision about single mean (normal population and non-normal population), decision about single group, decision about paired groups, decision about two independent groups, equality of population variances, computer-aided illustration for comparison of means; Comparing three or more means: ANOVA – one way, two-way, A-priori comparison, Posterior or Post Hoc comparison. Statistical methods for multiple variables: Multiple regression, predicting with more than 1 variable, Statistical test for regression coefficient, Role of R and R2 in multiple regression, Confounding variable (ANACOVA), predicting categorical outcomes – logistic regression, discriminant analysis.

Pearson’s correlation coefficient, Spearman’s rho, Linear regression, Least Square method, predicting with regression equation, comparing two regression lines, dealing with nonlinear observation, Common errors in regression, Comparing correlation and regression.

Enter data in excel and SPSS, Analyze data using excel and SPSS, Conduct univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis using SPSS, Interpret the results obtained in the SPSS output.

Evaluation will be done on the basis of CIA1 (10%), CIA2 [Mid Semester Examination] (25%), CIA3 (10%), Attendance (5%) and End Semester Examination (50%).

CIA1: Assignment/test/poster preparation/review writing etc. for 20 marks

CIA2: MID SEMESTER EXAMINATION for 50 marks

CIA3: Assignment/test/poster preparation/review writing etc. for 20 marks

Attendance in class: 10 marks

END SEMSTER EXAMINATION: Consist of 2 sections. Section A consist of 10 questions carrying 5 marks each out of which students need to attempt 8 questions (8 X 5marks = 40 marks). Section B consists of 7 questions, carrying 12 marks each, out of which students need to attempt 5 questions (5 X 12 marks = 60 marks).

• This course shall enable students to develop their ideas and knowledge on different techniques used in plant science and various anatomical characteristics of plants.

Principles and techniques of killing and fixing; properties of reagents, fixation images; properties and composition of important fixatives - Carnoy’s Fluid, FAA, FPA, Chrome acetic acid fluids, ZirkleErliki fluid.

(a) Dehydration: Principles of dehydration, properties and uses of important dehydrating and clearing agents - alcohols, acetone, xylol, glycerol, chloroform, dioxan. Dehydration Methods: (i) Tertiary-butyl alcohol method (ii) Alcohol-xylol method. (b) Embedding: Paraffin embedding. (c) Sectioning: Free hand sections – Prospects and problems; Sectioning in rotary microtome - sledge microtome and cryotome. Types of Microtomy- Rotary, sledge, Freezing, Cryostat and Ultratomes 

(a) Principles of staining; classification of stains, protocol for preparation of; (i) Natural stains - Haematoxylin and Carmine (ii) Coal tar dyes – Fast green, Orange G, Safranine, Crystal violet, Cotton Blue and Oil Red O. (b) Techniques of staining: (i) Single staining; Staining with Safranine or crystal violet (ii) Double staining; Safranine-Fast green method, Safranine-Crystal violet method (iii) Triple staining; SafranineCrystal violet-Orange G method. (c) Histochemical localization of starch, protein, lipid and lignin. 

Material collection, fixing, dehydration, embedding, sectioning (glass knife preparation, grid preparation, ultra microtome) and staining. 

(a) Principles and techniques of whole mounting, TBA/Hygrobutol method, Glycerine-xylol method. Staining of whole mount materials (haematoxylin, fast green or Safranine-fast green combination). Significance of whole mounts. (b) Techniques of smear, squash and maceration. (c) Mounting: Techniques, common mounting media used - DPX, Canada balsam, Glycerine jelly and Lactophenol. Cleaning, labeling and storage of slides.

 Scope and significance of plant anatomy, interdisciplinary relations. (a) Apical organization: Classification, Stages of development of primary meristem and theories of apical organization, origin of branches and lateral roots. Primary thickening meristem (PTM) in monocots. (b) Secretory tissues in plants: Structure and distribution of secretory trichomes (Drocera, Nepenthes), salt glands, colleters, nectaries, resin ducts and laticifers. Regulation of meristems through the cross-talk of phytohormones and genes

 Vascular cambium and cork cambium: Structure and function, factors affecting cambial activity. (b) Secondary xylem and phloem: Ontogeny, structure and function. Lignification patterns of xylem. (c) Reaction wood: Compression wood and tension wood. Factors affecting reaction wood formation. (d) Anomalous secondary growth in dicots and monocots. (e) Wood: Physical, chemical and mechanical properties. (f) Plant fibers: Distribution, structure and commercial importance of coir, jute, and cotton. 

 (a) Leaf: Initiation, plastochronic changes, ontogeny and structure of leaf. Structure, development and classification of stomata and trichomes. Krantz anatomy, anatomical peculiarities in CAM plants. Leaf abscission. (b) Nodal anatomy: Unilacunar, trilacunar and multilacunar nodes, nodal evolution. (c) Root-stem transition in angiosperms. 

Morphological and structural adaptations in different ecological groups - hydrophytes, xerophytes, epiphytes and halophytes. 

Applications of anatomy in systematics (histotaxonomy) and Pharmacognosy. Research prospects in anatomy.

1. Burgess, J. 1985. An Introduction to Plant Cell Development. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

1. Fahn, A. 1982. Plant Anatomy. (3rd edition). Pergamon Press, Oxford.

2. Fosket, D.E. 1994. Plant Growth and Development. A Molecular Approach. Academic Press, San Diego.

CIA2 (Mid Sem Examination): 25%

CIA3: 10%

Attendance: 5%

ESE: 50%

 The broad objective of the present core paper is to define the purview of plant biotechnology with respect to crop improvement and metabolic engineering along with knowing the regulatory issues. In this respect, students will be acquainted with application of principles and techniques of plant tissue culture, transgenic technology and metabolic engineering. While in tissue culture, the focus shall be on media composition and preparation, methods of in vitro regeneration, applications and limitations, with respect to genetic transformation, aspects of cloning, DNA delivery, detection, characterization and expression of transformants and gene silencing etc would be covered. Global status of GMOs, various case studies illustrating the application of biotechnology in developing crop varieties that are resistant to various biotic and abiotic stresses, enhancing nutritional quality, improved post-harvest qualities, and in the metabolic engineering of plants, aspects related to engineering of secondary metabolites, male sterility, environmental remediation, and biofarming will be discussed. Finally, in the regulatory issues aspect, Introduction to legal system, principles of regulation and regulatory systems in India and also IPR.

Plant Cell and Tissue Culture

Plant Cell: Totipotency, scope, historical review, differentiation, dedifferentiation and redifferentiation, culture of plant cells, tissue and organs, Plant growth regulators (auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid and ethylene). Aseptic techniques, culture media: composition and preparation (Murashige and Skoog media, Gamborg’s Media, Chu’s N6 media and Nitsch and Nitsch media). Methods of sterilization; inoculation, incubation and hardening. Methods to overcome phenolic oxidation. 

Cell and Organ differentiation

Callus and cell suspension culture, Micropropagation – direct and indirect organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, synthetic seeds and its application, Production of virus free plants, in vitro mutagenesis and selection technique, somaclonal variations, in vitro pollination, in vitro fertilization overcoming crossing barriers (Pre fertilization and post fertilization barriers including in vitro pollination/fertilization), embryo culture, Production of Triploid plants, Production of Haploid plants through androgenesis, microspore culture and gynogenesis and its application. Cryopreservation and DNA banking for germplasm conservation. Transfer and establishment of plantlets in soil and greenhouse. 

 Protoplast Isolation and Somatic hybridization: Protoplast isolation, purification, viability testing, plating techniques, protoplast culture and regeneration of plants. Protoplast fusion – spontaneous and induced fusion; mechanism of fusion; identification and selection of hybrid cells (auxin autonomy, auxotrophic mutants, antibiotic selection and chlorophyll complementation); chromosome status of somatic hybrids; cybridization; applications of somatic hybrids and cybrids.

Direct and indirect DNA transfer methods, Biology of Agrobacterium mediated gene transfer (Ti and Ri plasmids and its use as vectors), Co-integrate vectors, intermediate and helper plasmids, binary vectors, Plant Viruses as vectors, 35S and other promoters (constitutive, tissue specific and inducible promoters), use of reporter/Screenable/scorable genes and Selectable marker genes (antibiotic resistance marker, antimetabolite marker and herbicide resistance marker, Chloroplast and mitochondrial transformation for crop improvement. 

Crop improvement, productivity, performance and fortification of agricultural products – 

Development of Insect resistance plants: Bt genes, non-Bt genes like protease inhibitors, α-amylase inhibitors (Bt cotton and Bt Brinjal). 

Development of Herbicide resistance plants:  Phosphinothricin, glyphosate, sulfonylurea and atrazine. 

Development of Virus resistance plants: coat protein, movement proteins, transmission proteins, satellite RNA, antisense RNAs and ribozymes and nucleocapsid genes. 

Development of Bacterial and Fungal resistance plants: chitinase, 1,3-β-glucanase, RIP, antifungal proteins, thionins, PR proteins. 

Development of Nematode resistance. 

Development of Abiotic stress: drought, cold and saline. 

Strategies for engineering stress tolerance. Current status of transgenic plants in India and other countries. Importance of integrated pest management and terminator gene technology. Environmental impact of herbicide resistance crops and superweeds. 

Biofertilizers: Introduction, types of Biofertilizers, production of Biofertilizers (Carrier based and liquid), Importance of biofertilizers, Merits of biofertilizers over chemical fertilizers. Important organisms as Biofertilizers: VAM, Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Mycorrhiza, Actinorhiza, Constraints in Biofertilizer technology.

Vermicomposting technology: Introduction, Phases of vermicomposting, Production of vermicompost, Advantages and disadvantages of vermicompost technology. 

RNAi and antisense RNA technology for extending shelf life of fruits and flowers, biosynthesis of ethylene and metabolic engineering of ethylene for shelf life (ACC synthase, ACC oxidase and polygalacturonidase), delay of softening and ripening of fleshy fruits (tomato, banana, watermelon). Carbohydrate composition and storage, ADP glucose pyrophosphatase.  Post-harvest technology protection of cereals, millets and pulses.

Non-PCR and PCR based molecular markers (RFLP, RAPD, SSR). Molecular markers in breeding programme, molecular breeding for resistance.

Plant cell and organ culture for the production of secondary metabolites. Bioreactor scale production of phytopharmaceuticals (Different types of bioreactors; Stirred tank bioreactor, bubble column bioreactor, airlift bioreactor, Tower bioreactor, packed and fluidized bed bioreactor). 

 Engineering plants for male sterility: What is male sterility? Importance of male sterility, Molecular basis of cytoplasmic male sterility in nature, mechanism of restoration of fertility, genetic engineering strategies, production of male sterility, pollination controlling system. 

Principle and Practice, Approaches of metabolic engineering, metabolic engineering of lipids, carotenoid biosynthesis for antioxidants (colouring agent). Plant Molecular Farming: Food vaccines (edible vaccines), plant derived antibodies, pharmaceutical proteins, industrial enzymes, biofarming of carbohydrates, genetic approach of molecular farming, choice of plant production system, benefits and drawbacks of molecular farming

Brief Introduction to terms: Statutes, Rules, Regulations, Judicial System, Judicial Review, Administrative set up. International Law, Sources, Treaties

Regulatory Systems: Timeline of development of regulatory systems, The U.S. and E.U. approaches on Biotechnology research, Intentional introduction into environment, INDIA: Environment Protection Act, 1986, Rules for the manufacture, use, import, export and storage of hazardous micro-organisms, genetically engineered organisms or cells. Institutional Structure, Powers and Functions, Relevant Guidelines and Protocols. Other relevant laws, Plant Quarantine order, Biological Diversity Act, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer’s Rights Act, Drugs and Cosmetics Act, Policy and the rules, Seed Policy, DGFT Notification, Recent Initiatives, Draft National Biotechnology Regulatory Bill 2008, Ethical issues associated with GMOs, labelling of GM plants and products.

IPRs: Introduction, A Brief history of IP protection, Rationale for IPR, Types of IPRs, TRIPS, Patents (Patentability criteria, Relevant Case law, Indian Patent Act, 1970, Amendments to Indian Patents Act (2005), IP applications and Procedures, Patent drafting, Patent and prior art searches etc.), Copyright, Trademarks,  Plant Variety protection, Geographical Indications, Farmer’s Rights, Traditional Knowledge, Patents and Agricultural Biotechnology, Management of IPR Assets, Licensing and contracts, Negotiations, Valuation of patents, IPR Enforcement.

1. George E. F., Hall A H, and De Klerk G J (2008) Plant propagation by tissue culture. Springer. 501 p

2. Bhojwani SS and Razdan M K (1996) Plant Tissue Culture: Theory and Practice. Elsevier. 767 p

3. K.D. Raju (ed.) (2007), Genetically modified organisms: Emerging law and policy in India, TERI, New Delhi 

4. P. Narayan (2001), Patent Law, 3rd edn., Eastern Law House, Calcutta 

1. Herman, Edwin B., (Ed.) (2009) Genetic modification of plants: methods and applications 2005-2009, USA:  Agritech Consultants. 153p. 

2. Herman, Edwin B., (Ed.) (2007) Microbial contaminants in plant tissue culture, Vol. III: 2003–2007. Agritech Consultants, Inc. Shrub Oak. 110p

3. Neumann, K H, Kumar, A, Imani, J (2009) Plant Cell and Tissue Culture –A tool in biotechnology: Basics and applications. 333p

4. Halford, Nigel G. (Ed.) (2006) Plant Biotechnology: Current and Future Applications of genetically modified crops. John Wiley and Sons Ltd. 303 p

5. Chrispeels MJ; Sadava DE (2003) Plant, Genes and Crop Biotechnology. Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc

6. Chrispeels MJ, et al., (1994) Plants, Genes and Agriculture. Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Boston

7. Gamborg OL and Philips GC. Plant Cell, tissue and organ culture (2nd Ed.) Narosa Publishing House. New Delhi. 1998

8. Hammound J, McGravey P and Yusibov V. Plant Biotechnology, Springer Verlag. 2000.

9. Heldt. Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Oxford and IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd. Delhi, 1997.

10. Lydiane Kyte and John Kleyn. Plants from test tubes. An Introduction to Micropropagation (3rd Ed.). Timber Press, Portland. 1996.

11. Murray DR. Advanced methods in plant breeding and biotechnology. Panima Publishing Co. 1996.

12. Nickoloff JA. Methods in Molecular Biology, Plant Cell electroporation and electrofusion protocols, Humana Press Incorp, USA. 1995.

13. Sawahel WA. Plant Genetic Transformation Technology. Daya Publishing House, Delhi. 1997.

14. Gistou P and Klu H. Hand Book of Plant Biotechnology (Vol. I & II). John Publication. 2004.

15. Slatu A, et al.,. The Genetic Manipulation of Plant. Oxford University Press. 2003.

16. Kirakosyan A and Kaufman PB. Recent Advances in Plant Biotechnology (1st Ed.) Springer Publishers. 2009.

17. Kamala Sankaran and Ujjwal Kumar Singh (eds.) (2008), Towards legal literacy: An introduction to Law in India, Oxford, New Delhi.

18. F.H.Erbisch and K.M. Maredia(Eds.) (2004)., Intellectual Property Rights in Agricultural Biotechnology, 2nd edn., CABI Publishing,Oxon.

19. Shyam Divan and Armin Rosencranz (2005), Environmental Law and Policy in India, 2nd edn., Oxford, New Delhi, Ch. 4..

20. Jayashree Watal (2001)., Intellectual Property Rights in the WTO and Developing Countries, Oxford, New Delhi, 

CIA 2 (Mid Sem Examination): 25%

CIA3: 10%

Attendance: 5%

ESE: 50%

• To acquaint with the aims, objectives and significance of taxonomy.
• To identify the common species of plants growing in India and their systematic position.
• To develop inductive and deductive reasoning ability.
• To acquaint with the basic technique in the preparation of herbarium
• To learn the new techniques in systematics

Introduction to systematics; Identification, Classification and Nomenclature of plants; Field inventory, Herbarium preparation and management; important herbaria and botanical gardens of the world and India, Documentation: Flora, Monographs, Journals, Online Journals and Keys; Construction of taxonomic keys – indented and bracketed - their utilization.

Sources from morphology, palynology, cytotaxonomy, chemotaxonomy, serology, and molecular systematics, basic concepts of genome analysis – bar coding, ; Brief account on computer aided plant identification systems; e-floras; Virtual herbaria; Interactive keys.

Species/Genus/Family and other categories; species concept and intraspecific categories - subspecies, varieties and forms.

History of ICBN, aims and principles, rules and recommendations: rule of priority, typification, author citation, retention, rejection and changing of names, effective and valid publication, names of hybrids and cultivars

Morphology of Angiosperms: Habitat and habit; Morphology of root, stem, leaf, bract and bracteoles, inflorescence, flowers, fruits and seeds. (Self Study Unit)

Major systems of angiosperm classification with special emphasis on the conceptual basis of the classifications of; (i) Linnaeus (ii) Bentham & Hooker (iii) Engler & Prantl (iv) Bessey (v) Takhtajan (vi) APG III & IV.

Important phylogenetic terms and concepts: Plesiomorphic and Apomorphic characters; Homology and Analogy; Parallelism and Convergence; clades, Monophyly, Paraphyly and Polyphyly, origin & evolution of angiosperms; co-evolution of angiosperms and animals; methods of illustrating evolutionary relationship (phylogenetic tree, cladogram and phenogram).

Role of Computers in systematics; Characters and attributes; OTUs, character weighing and coding; cluster analysis, phenograms, cladistics.

Angiosperm diversity with special reference to Tropical flora

Study of the following families (Bentham & Hooker) in detail with special reference to their salient features, interrelationships, evolutionary trends and economic significance.

Polypetalae:

Order Ranales:

1. Ranunculaceae 2. Magnoliaceae 3. Annonaceae;

Order Parietales:

4. Cruciferae (Brassicaceae)

Order Caryophyllineae

5. Portulacaceae;

Order-Guttiferales

6. Guttiferae (Clusiaceae);

Order malvales

7. Malvaceae 8.Tiliaceae;

Order- Geraniales

9. Rutaceae, 10. Meliaceae

Order- Celastrales

11. Vitaceae

Order - Sapindales

12. Sapindaceae

order - Rosales

13. Fabaceae 14. Caesalpiniaceae 15. Mimosaceae 16. Rosaceae

Order - Myrtales

17. Combretaceae 18. Lythraceae 19. Melastomataceae 20. Myrtaceae

Order - Passiflorales

21. Cucurbitaceae

Order Umbellales

22. Apiaceae

Gamopetalae

Order Rubiales

23. Rubiaceae

Order - Asterales

24. Compositae (Asteraceae)

Order Primulales

25. Plumbaginaceae 26. Sapotaceae

Order Gentianales

27. Oleaceae 28. Apocynaceae 29. Asclepiadaceae

Order Polemoniales

30. Boraginaceae 31. Convolvulaceae 32. Solanaceae

Order Personales

33. Scrophulariaceae 34. Bignoniaceae 35. Acanthaceae

Order lamiales

36. Verbenaceae 37. Lamiaceae

Monochlamydeae

38. Nyctaginaceae 39. Polygonaceae 40. Aristolochiaceae 41. Euphorbiaceae

Monocotyledonae

42. Orchidaceae 43. Zingiberaceae 44. Araceae 45. Cyperaceae 46. Poaceae.

Economic importance of the families: Malvaceae, Rutaceae, Fabaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Mimosaceae, Myrtaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Apiaceae, Rubiaceae, Asteraceae, Apocynaceae, Solanaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Verbenaceae, Lamiaceae, Euphorbiaceae,Orchidaceae, Poaceae. Ethnobotany: Scope and importance, sources and methods of ethnobotanical studies, Traditional botanical knowledge of some important tribal communities in India.

2. Paye G D (2000). Cultural Uses of Plants: A Guide to Learning about Ethnobotany. The New York Botanical Garden Press.

3. Hooker J D. The flora of British India (Vol. I – VII).

4. Gamble J S. Flora of the Presidency of Madras. (Vol. I – III).

5. Cronquist A (1981). An integrated system of classification of flowering plants. Columbia University Press.

2. Sivarajan V V (1991). Introduction to Principles of Plant Taxonomy. Oxford IBH.

3. Takhtajan A L (1997). Diversity and Classification of Flowering Plants. Columbia Univ. Press

● To understand the methods of crop improvement

● To understand the cytological aspects of growth and development.

● To learn the developmental stages in the plant life

i. Introduction : History of Plant Breeding, the disciplines to be known by a breeder – Botany of the crop, cytogenetics – agronomy –physiology – pathology – entomology – biochemistry – bacteriology – statistics plant biotechnology.

ii.Objectives of plant breeding : High yield, improved quality, disease and pest resistance, early maturity, photosensitivity, varieties for new seasons, resistant varieties

iii.Activities in plant breeding : Creation of new varieties, selection, evaluation, multiplication and distribution

iv.Centres of origin: Different centres and their significance. Germplasm conservation- in situ seed banks, plant banks, shoot tip banks, cell and organ banks, DNA banks, germplasm evaluation- cataloguing- multiplication and distribution

i.Plant introduction: History of plant introduction- primary and secondary, plant introduction agencies. Procedure of plant introduction –quarantine- cataloguing- evaluation – multiplication distribution – acclimatization, purpose of plant introduction, achievements, merits and demerits

ii. Selection : History of selection, pureline selection, mass selection, pedigree selection, bulk method of selection, merits and demerits, Backcross method of selection : Introduction, requirements, applications of back cross methods, genetic consequences of repeated backcrossing, procedure of back cross method - transfer of a dominant gene, transfer of a recessive gene, number of plants necessary in backcross generation, selection of the characters being transferred, transfer of quantitative characters, modification of back cross method, production of F2 and F3, use of different recurrent parents, application of back cross method in cross pollinated crops, merits and demerits, achievements

iii. Hybridization: History, techniques and consequences, objectives, types of hybridization - interspecific, intergeneric, distant hybridization, procedure of hybridization, choice of parents, evaluation of parents, emasculation - different methods, bagging, tagging, pollination, harvesting and storing of the F1 seeds and selfing, consequences of hybridization.

i.Breeding methods in cross pollinated crops; Population breeding-mass selection and ear-to-row methods; S1 and S2 progeny testing, progeny selection schemes, recurrent selection schemes for intra and inter-population improvement and development of synthetics and composites;

ii.Hybrid breeding : heterosis and inbreeding, production of inbreds, breeding approaches for improvement of inbreds, predicting hybrid performance; seed production of hybrid and their parent varieties/inbreds.

iii.Breeding methods in asexually/clonally propagated crops, clonal selection apomixes, clonal selection

Mutation breeding; Breeding for abiotic and biotic stresses. Transgressive Breeding

Cultivar development testing, release and notification, maintenance breeding, Participatory, Plant Breeding; Plant breeder’ rights and regulations for plant variety protection and farmers rights

Structure of anthers; microsporogenesis, role of tapetum; pollen development and gene expression; male sterility; sperm dimorphism and hybrid seed production; pollen germination, pollen tube growth and guidance; pollen storage; pollen allergy; pollen embryos.

Ovule development; megasporogenesis; organization of the embryo sac, structure of the embryo sac cells.

Floral characteristics, pollination mechanisms and vectors; breeding systems; commercial considerations; structure of the pistil; pollen-stigma interactions, sporophytic and gametophytic self-incompatibility (cytological, biochemical and molecular aspects); double fertilization; in vitro fertilization.

Endosperm development during early, maturation and desiccation stages; embryogenesis, ultrastructure and nuclear cytology; cell lineages during late embryo development; storage proteins of endosperm and embryo; polyembryony; apomixis; embryo culture; dynamics of fruit growth; biochemistry and molecular biology of fruit maturation.

Importance and types of dormancy; seed dormancy; overcoming seed dormancy; bud dormancy.

Basic concepts, types of cell death, PCD in the life cycle of plants, metabolic changes associated with senescence and its regulation; influence of hormones and environmental factors on senescence.

2. Bhojwani, S.S. and Bhatnagar, S.P. 2000. The Embryology of Angiosperms (4h revised and enlarged edition). Vikas Publishing House, New Delhi.

3. Burgess, J. 1985. An Introduction to Plant Cell Development. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

4. Fageri, K. and Van der Pijl, L. 1979. The Principles of Pollination Ecology. Pergamon Press, Oxford.

5. Fahn, A. 1982. Plant Anatomy. (3rd edition). Pergamon Press, Oxford.

6. Fosket, D.E. 1994. Plant Growth and Development. A Molecular Approach. Academic Press, San Diego.

7. Howell, S.H. 1998. Molecular Genetics of Plant Development. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

8. Leins, P., Tucker, S.C. and Endress, P.K. 1988. Aspects of Floral Development. J. Cramer, Germany.

9. Lyndon, R.F. 1990. Plant Development. The Cellular Basis. Unnin Hyman, London.

10. Murphy, T.M. and Thompson, W.F. 1988. Molecular Plant Development. Prentice Hall, New Jersey.

11. Proctor, M. and Yeo, P. 1973. The Pollination of Flowers. William Collins Sons, London.

12. Raghavan, V. 1997. Molecular Embryology of Flowering Plants. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

2. Raven, P.H., Evert, R.F. and Eichhorn, S.E. 1992. Biology of Plants Oh edition). Worth, New York.

3. Salisbury, F.B. and Ross, C.W. 1992. Plant Physiology (4h edition). Wadsworth Publishing, Belmont, California.

4. Steeves, T.A. and Sussex, I.M. 1989. Patterns in Plant Development (26 edition). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

5. Sedgely, M. and Griffin, A.R. 1989. Sexual Reproduction of Tree Crops. Academic Press, London.

6. Waisel, Y., Eshel, A. and Kafkaki, U. (eds) 1996. Plant Roots: The Hidden Hall (2d edition). Marcel Dekker, New York.

7. Shivanna, K.R. and Sawhney, V.K. (eds) 1997. Pollen Biotechnology for Crop Production and Improvement. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

8. Shivanna, K.R. and Rangaswamy, N.S. 1992. Pollen Biology: A Laboratory Manual. Springer-Verlag, Berlin. Shivanna, K.R. and John, B.M. 1985. The Angiosperm Pollen: Structure and Function. Wiley Eastern Ltd., New York.

9. The Plant Cell. Special Issue on Reproductive Biology of Plants, Vol. 5(10) 1993. The American Society of Plant Physiologists, Rockville, Maryland, USA.

● To understand plant responses and adaptations to the environment and the ecological relevance of these responses.

● To Understand the role, structure and importance of the bio molecules associated with plant life.

● To Familiarize with the recent trends in the field of plant physiology.

Water absorption by root, pathways of water uptake and transport, xylem and phloem transport, passive and active transport, Aquaporins. Water pathway in the leaf – driving force of transpiration, leaf anatomy for regulating transpiration. Control of stomatal mechanism. Soil-plant-atmosphere continuum.

Essential nutrients, deficiencies and plant disorders: Special techniques used in nutritional studies, treatment of nutritional deficiencies, Soil, Roots, and Microbes: Negatively charged soil particles affect the adsorption of mineral nutrients Soil pH affects nutrient availability, soil microbes,and root growth, Excess mineral ions in the soil limit plant growth, Plants develop extensive root systems, Role of Mycorrhizae in nutrient uptake: Nutrients move from mycorrhizal fungi to root cells

Electrical properties of membranes, Membrane potential. Transport across cell membranes: Passive – diffusion, facilitated diffusion, membrane channels; gap junctions, porins, ion channels – gated channels, structure and working of K+ ion channels. Active transport: Carrier proteins; Na+K+ pump, ABC transporters.

(a) Light harvesting complexes: PS I, PSII; Structure and composition of reaction centers. Basic principles of light absorption, excitation energy transfer, mechanism of electron transport, photooxidation of water, proton electrochemical potential – photophosphorylation. Repair and regulation of the photosynthetic machinery (b) Structure and function of RuBisco, CO2 fixation – Calvin cycle. Regulation of calvin cycle, C2 oxidative photosynthetic carbon cycle Photorespiration, role of photorespiration in plants. CO2 concentrating mechanisms – CO2 and HCO3- pumps, C4 cycle, CAM pathway. Photoprotective mechanisms . Synthesis of starch and sucrose, photosynthetic quantum yield and energy conversion efficiency. Transport of photoassimilates – phloem loading and unloading, mechanism of phloem translocation – pressure flow. Thylakoid ET inhibitors, Photoinhibition and its tolerance mechanism.

Three stages of respiratory metabolism (brief study only). Plant mitochondrial electron transport and ATP synthesis – structure of electron transfer complexes (complex I – IV). ATPase – detailed structure of F1 and Fo subunits, binding change mechanism of ATP synthesis. control of mitochondrial respiration by key metabolites- the concept of bottom up regulation of plant respiration. Cyanide resistant pathway – alternative oxidase, its regulation and significance. Rotenone insensitive pathway in plants.

N cycle. N fixation processes. Biological N fixation – structure of nitrogenase complex, reduction of N. Symbiotic N fixation – nodule formation, leghaemoglobin. Nitrate and ammonium assimilation. Transport of amides and ureides.

Response of plants to biotic (pathogen and insects) and abiotic (water, temperature – low and high, salt, oxygen deficiency, heavy metal and air pollution) stresses. Mechanisms of resistance to biotic stress and tolerance to abiotic stress.

Sensory photobiology: History of discovery of phytochromes and cryptochromes, and their photochemical and biochemical properties, photophysiology of light-induced responses, cellular localization, molecular mechanism of action of photomorphogenic receptors, signalling and gene expression. The flowering process: Photoperiodism and its significance, endogenous clock and its regulation, floral induction and development - genetic and molecular analysis, role of vernalization.

Physiological effects and mechanism of action of auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, ethylene, abscisic acid, brassinosteroids, polyamines, jasmonic acid and salicylic acid, hormone receptors, signal transduction and gene expression.

Cutin, waxes and suberin; secondary metabolites - defense against herbivores and pathogens: terpenes- structure, biosynthetic pathways and defense, Phenolic compounds - structure, biosynthesis, and defense, nitrogen containing compounds - alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides,glucosinolates and non-protein amino acids.

2. Bob B Buchanan, Wilhelm Gruissem, Russel L Jones (2000). Biochemistry and molecular biology of plants. L K International Pvt. Ltd.

3. Reginald H Garrett, Charles M Grisham (2005). Biochemistry. Thomson Brooks/Cole

4. H Robert Horton, Laurence A Moran, Raymond S Ochr, J David Rawn, K Gray Scrimgeour (2002). Principles of Biochemistry (III Edn). Prentice Hall.

5. Frank B Salisbury, Cleon W Ross (1992). Plant Physiology (IV Edn). Wadsworth Publishing Company.

6. Bruce Alberts, Alexander Johnson, Julian Lewis, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter (2002). Molecular biology of the cell (IV Edn). Garland Science, Taylor and Francis group.

7. Gerald Karp (2008). Cell and Molecular biology: Concepts and experiments (V Edn). John Wiley & Sons.

8. Harvey Lodish, Arnold Berk, Chris A. Kaiser, Monty Krieger, Matthew P. Scott, Anthony Bretscher, Hidde Ploegh, Paul Matsudaira (2007). Molecular cell biology (VI Edn). W H Freeman & Company.

9. William H Elliott, Daphne C Elliott (2001). Biochemistry and molecular biology (II Edn). Oxford

2. David E Sadava (2009). Cell biology: Organelle structure and function. CBS

3. S Sadasivam, A Manickam (1996). Biochemical methods (II Edn). New age international Publishers.

The course shall cover the different application of Plant microtechnqies, plant anatomy, plant physiology, plant biotechnology and regulatory affairs.

1. Preparation of double stained free hand sections and identification of the tissues with reasons (Normal or Anomalous secondary thickening). 

2. Preparation of serial sections from the given block and identification of the tissues with histological reasoning. 

3. Free hand sections showing localization of soluble components –Proteins, Sugars and Lipids. 

4. Preparation of squashes and smears; Maceration of tissues for separating cell types 

5. Measurement of microscopic objects (algal filaments, spore, pollen etc.) 

6. Students are expected to get a thorough understanding on reagents and buffers for tissue processing. 

 7. Students should submit permanent slides (for serial, hand sections, and squash, smear, whole mount, sledge and histochemical localization) 

1. Study the anomalous primary and secondary features in, Amaranthus, Boerhaavia, Mirabilis, Nyctanthes, Piper and Strychnos.

2. Nodal anatomy and root-stem transition. 

4. Maceration of herbaceous and woody stems- separation of different cell types

5. Study the anatomical peculiarities of C4 and CAM plants (Leaf/Stem). 

6. Prepare a histotaxonomic key. 

7. Study the pericarp anatomy of a legume, follicle and berry. 

 8. Identification of wood - soft wood and hard wood.

1. Introduction to Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory & Nutritional components of Tissue Culture Media

2. Introduction to aseptic techniques & Introduction to different types of explantsSurface sterilization techniques & Callus initiation and Maintenance
   Initiation of Cell suspension cultures and Growth kinetic studies using PCV/fresh and Dry weight basis

3. Induction of multiple shoots by using different explants

4. Culturing of anthers for the induction of haploids

5. Isolation and Culturing of protoplast

6. Induction of hairy roots with Agrobacterium rhizogenes infection using different explants 

7. Production of Artificial seeds using sodium alginate

8. Induction of Somatic Embryogenesis

Measurement of Photosynthesis - Hill Reaction.

2. Estimation of proline in plant tissues under various abiotic stresses 

3. Estimation of phenol in plant tissues affected by biotic stress 

4. Determination of peroxidase activity in plant tissues affected by biotic/abiotic stresses 

5. Estimation of free amino acids in senescing leaves to understand the source to sink transformation phenomenon

6. Determination of osmotic potential by tissue weight method.

7. Separation of photosynthetic pigments by TLC/paper chromatography and calculating the Rf value

8. Demonstration of amylase activity and GA effect in germinating cereal seeds.

9. Estimation of total chlorophyll and study of absorption pattern of chlorophyll solution

10. Separation and collection of leaf pigments by silica gel column chromatography.

11. Determination of nitrate reductase activity.

12. Extraction and estimation of leghaemoglobin from root nodules.

13. Separation of isozymes of esterases, peroxidases by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

14.   Preparation of the standard curve of protein (BSA) and estimation of the protein content in extracts of plant material by Lowry's or Bradford's method.

15. Estimation of respiration and photosynthetic rate using Oxygraph.

16. Estimation of stomatal conductance by Porometer and interpretation of the result

 17. Measure levels of Ethylene, CO2 and O2 in fruits and vegetables using Three Gas Analyser Model F-950, Make M/s Felix Instruments USA 

1. Atwell, B.J., Kriedermann, P.E. and Jurnbull, C.G.N. (eds) 1999. Plants in Action: Adaptation in Nature, Performance in Cultivation. MacMillan Education, Sydney, Australia.

2. Burgess, J. 1985. An Introduction to Plant Cell Development. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

1. Fahn, A. 1982. Plant Anatomy. (3rd edition). Pergamon Press, Oxford.

2. Fosket, D.E. 1994. Plant Growth and Development. A Molecular Approach. Academic Press, San Diego.

End Sem Examination: 50%

 This course shall enable students to have in depth knowledge on principles of Taxonomy. Students will also learn different aspects of plant breeding and developmental biology.

1. Work out a minimum of two members from each family mentioned in the syllabus with suitable sketches and description in technical terms.

2. Study of local flora, construction of keys and use of floras in the identification up to species.

3. Preparation of dichotomous keys based on 4 sample plant materials from the same family.

4. Workout nomenclatural problems regarding priority and author citations. Search the International Plant Names Index (http://www.ipni.org/index.html). Find and record the full citation (including author, journal, date, etc.) of any one of the species that were studied in the article you chose for discussion. Using a manual or flora of local, native plants, record 12 scientific names plus the listed synonyms for these names. Trace the nomenclatural history of these taxa names as best you can from the data given, especially noting author names in parentheses. Look up these 12 scientific names using the International Plant Names Index (http://www.ipni.org). Record the date and journal/book of publication of these names. Also record all synonymy. Does this added information elucidate the nomenclatural history of the taxa?

5. Students should familiarize themselves with all the economically/ethnobotanically important plants of the families mentioned in the syllabus.

6. Field study: A field study for not less than 5 days under the guidance and supervision of teachers and preparation of a minimum of 25 herbarium specimens of different categories with supporting field books.

1. Study of microsporogenesis and gametogenesis in sections of anthers.

2. Examination of modes of anther dehiscence and collection of pollen grains for microscopic examination (maize, grasses, Crotolaria, Tradescantia, Brassica, Petunia, Solanum melongena, etc.).

3. Tests for pollen viability using stains and in vitro germination. Pollen germination using hanging drop and sitting drop cultures, suspension culture and surface culture.

4. Estimating percentage and average pollen tube length in vitro.

5. Role of transcription and translation inhibitors on pollen germination and pollen tube growth.

6. Pollen storage, pollen-pistil interaction, self-incompatibility, in vitro pollination.

7. Study of ovules in cleared preparations; study of monosporic, bisporic and tetrasporic types of embryo sac development thorough examination of permanent, stained serial sections.

8. Field study of several types of flower with different pollination mechanisms (wind pollination, thrips pollination, bee/butterfly pollination, bird pollination).

9. Emasculation, Bagging and Hand Pollination to study pollen germination, seed set and fruit development using self-compatible and obligate outcrossing systems. 

10. Study of nuclear and cellular endosperm through dissections and staining

11. Isolation of zygotic globular, heart-shaped, torpedo stage and mature embryo from suitable seeds and polyembryony in citrus, Jamun ( Syzygium cumini) etc. by dissections

12. Study of seed dormancy and methods of break dormancy 

Record: 10%

Mid Semester Examination: 20%

End Semester Examination evaluation: 50%

The course describes in detail the salient features of the useful and harmful microbes in the food, agriculture and environment. Further the application of microbiology techniques in food, agriculture and environment remediation is described in detail.

Factors influencing microbial activity in food, microbes (bacteria and fungi) important in food microbiology. Microbial flora of fresh food and their spoilage – cereals, fruits, vegetables, poultry, eggs, shell fish and fin fish, beverages and canned foods.

Cheese production; bread; oriental food; Sauerkraut production and their spoilage due to microbial contamination

General principles of food preservation: (1) aseptic handling (2) high temperature - boiling, steam under pressure, pasteurization and sterilization (3) low temperature freezing and refrigeration (4) Dehydration (5) Osmotic pressure - in concentrated sugars with brine (6) chemicals, organic acids, smoking (7) radiation - UV and gamma.

Food borne diseases caused by bacteria - Salmonellosis, Gastroenteritis, Shigellosis, Listeriosis, Staphylococcal food poisoning, Botulism, Travellers’ diarrhoea.

Isolation and cultivation of microbes from environment - serial dilution and pour plate method, spread plate method, streak plate method, isolation using selective or enrichment media. Methods of culturinganaerobes. Biochemical tests for bacterial identification - carbohydrate fermentation, triple sugar-Iron agar test, IMVIC test, Litmus Milk reactions, Hydrogen sulphide test, Catalase test, Oxidase test, Microbial examination of food - Microscopic techniques, culture techniques. Microbiological criteria for food control. Enforcement and control agencies – international and national agencies.

Microbes as biofertilizers - bacteria, fungi, algae. Production of biofertilizers - strain selection and preparation of biofertilizers.

a. Nitrogen fixing microbes – free living organotrophs, free living prototrophs, diazotrophs. Association of microbes with grasses, legumes, nodulation in nitrogen fixation legumes

b. Phosphate solubilizers – Bacteria and fungi as phosphate solubilizers. Mycorrhizal relationship

● definition, forms and distribution of mycorrhiza. Ecto- and Endomycorrhiza. Vesicular and Arbuscular mycorrhiza, Ericaceous, Orchidaceous mycorrhiza. Physiology and function of mycorrhiza. Production of mycorrhizal biofertilizers.

● Bacterial insecticides - use of Pseudomonas, Bacillus – mode of action

Detection of coliform bacteria - membrane filtration technique, Colilert defined substrate test, multiple tube fermentation test. Quantification of Coliforms - MPN test. Role of microorganisms in Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulphur cycles Microbial biodegradation of xenobiotic (plastics) and hydrocarbons. Biomining and Microbial leaching (Gold, Copper) – Types advantages and disadvantages

Microbes in biotechnology, bioremediation - microbial and enzymatic; in situ and ex situ. Bioaugmentation – principles, enzymes used in bio-augmentation, bio-filtration-bio-filters, microorganisms used in filters, mechanism of bio-filtration. Genetically modified microbes - benefits and hazards. Waste water treatment - primary, secondary and tertiary treatment.

2. A S Rao (1988). Introduction to microbiology. Prentice-hall pub. Com.

3. Braude (1983). Microbiology.

2. H D Kumar, Swasti Kumar (2001). Modern concepts of microbiology. Vikas pub. House.

3. H S Chawla (2005). Introduction to biotechnology. Oxford/IBH pub Com.

4. K G Ramawat (2004). Comprehensive biotechnology. Shaily Goyal.

5. Martin Alexander (1971). Microbial Ecology. John Wiley and sons pub.

6. M R Adams, M O Mass (2000). Food microbiology. New Age International P Ltd.

7. O R Arora (2003). Text book of microbiology. CBS Pubs.

8. P D Sharma (2001). Microbiology. Rastogi Pub.

9. Prescott (2002). Microbiology. McGraw Hill pub.

10. R Campbell (1987). Plant microbiology. English language book society.

11. Selman A, Waksman. Soil microbiology. John Wiley and Sons.

12. Sudeesh Jood, Neelam Khetar Paul (2002). Food preservation. Agrotech publishing academy.

13. Robert Stanil et. al., (1987). General Microbiology. MacMillan.

14. R C Dube (2006). Text book of microbiology. S. Chand.

15. Talaro. Foundations in microbiology. W M C Brown publishers.

16. William C Frazier (2000). Food Microbiology. Tata McGraw Hill.

17. Wyss, William, Galdner. Microbiology. John Wiley and Sons.

18. L N Nair. Methods of microbial and plant biotechnology.

19. Kanika Sharma. Manual of Microbiology: Tools and Techniques.

CIA1: Assignment/test/poster preparation/review writing etc. for 20 marks

CIA2: MID SEMESTER EXAMINATION for 50 marks

CIA3: Assignment/test/poster preparation/review writing etc. for 20 marks

Attendance in class: 10 marks

END SEMSTER EXAMINATION: 5 x 20 marks = 100 marks. Out of five, three questions will have choices.

The paper is intended to provide have coherent knowledge and understanding of chemistry of food components like proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. Paper also provides information on beneficial and harmful association of microbes with food and how microbes can be effectively used for production of food. Students get an idea on food laws, standards and regulations in food processing, production, marketing and safety.

Food: source, functions of food, five basic food groups, Importance of food guide – food in relation to health, Cooking, objective and methods of cooking.

Proteins: amino acids – peptides – proteins, modification of food products through heat processing. Effect of cooking – steaming or cooking under pressure of legumes. Detoxification. Analysis of proteins – principles in the determination of moisture content, ash content, nitrogen content – Kjeldahl’s method. Enzymes used in food processing. Enzymic browning – mode of action, secondary reaction of o-quinones, prevention of enzymic browning – thermal inactivation, pH, antioxidants Non-enzymic browning-Maillard reaction, prevention of non-enzymic browning.  Artificial sweetening agents. Effect of cooking on the nutritive value of carbohydrates – bread and biscuit, processing and storage of carbohydrates.  Principles involved in the analysis of carbohydrates – analysis of glucose, starch, Benedict method, Anthrone method, Neilson–Somoyogi method, analysis of crude fibers. Lipids: Emulsions and emulsifiers, rancidity of fats – chemistry of fat and oil processing – function and storage of fats. Heat treatment on the nutritive value of oilseeds, nuts and oil-seed meals. Role of MUFA and PUFA in preventing heart diseases. Analysis of oils and fats – analysis of crude fats and determination of iodine number, RM value, acid number and saponification values – principles.  Minerals and vitamins: Sources, functions, bioavailability and deficiency of the following minerals (calcium, iron, iodine, fluorine, sodium and potassium (elementary treatment). Fortification with vitamins and minerals. Effect of cooking on vitamins and minerals Moisture in foods: Structure, Properties, Types of water in food and their specific function, Water activity and stability.

Definitions, uses and functions of: Acids, Bases, Buffer system, Chelating / sequestering agents, Low calorie and non-nutritive sweeteners, Antioxidants, Emulsifying and Stabilizing agents, Anti-caking agents, Thickeners, Firming agents. Flour bleaching agents and Bread improvers. Anti-microbial agents/class-I and Class –II preservatives.

Factors influencing microbial growth in food(Intrinsic and extrinsic factors), contamination and spoilage in fruits, vegetables, poultry, milk and milk products, Bacterial food borne diseases ( Staphylococcal intoxification, Botulism, Salmonellosis, Shigellosis, Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Diarrhoea, Clostridium perfringens gastroenteritis, Bacillus cereus Gastroenteritics)  Food Borne Viral Pathogens (Norwalk virus, Norovirus, Reovirus, Rotavirus, Astrovirus, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Hepatitis A Virus) Food Borne Animal Parasites Protozoa – Giardiasis, Amebiasis, Toxoplasmosis, Sarcocystosis, Crypotosporiodiosis. Cysticercosis/Taeniasis. Roundworm – Trichinosis, Anisakiasis.   Mycotoxins: Aflatoxicosis, Deoxyni valenol Mycotoxicosis, Ergotism.

Primary, secondary and tertiary processing, historical perspective, traditional technologies used in food processing, Effects of processing on components, properties and nutritional value of foods, Legume -Types, composition, milling, germination, cooking & processed products. Drying, freezing, canning, pasteurization, salting, sugaring, smoking, vacuum packing, artificial food additives, irradiation, modified atmosphere packing, Biopreservation

Fermented food: origin, scope and development, sourkraut, youghurt, cheese, miso, tempeh, idli, dosa, Application of enzyme in food industry, Wine Production – Introduction, Grape Species and Varieties, Site selection and climate, Chemical constituents of grapes and wine, Fermentation, Post fermentation treatments, Specific distinctive wine styles, Sensory perception, and wine assessment.

Types of adulteration, Intentional Adulteration, Incidental Adulteration, Common adulterants in different foods – milk and milk products, vegetable oils, and fats, spices and condiments, cereals, pulses, sweetening agents and beverages. Contamination with toxic chemicals – pesticides and insecticides. Principles involved in the analysis of detection and prevention of food adulteration.

Specifications and standards: PFA, FPO, FDA, drug license, WHO standards, ISI specifications, packing and label requirements, essential commodities act, consumer protection act. AGMARK.

2. Frazier, W.C, Food Microbiology, Mc Graw Hill Inc. 4th Edition, 2007

2. D.A. Klein, J.P. Harley, L.M. Prescott, Microbiology, 6th ed. Brown publishers, 2008

CIA1: Assignment/test/poster preparation/review writing etc. for 20 marks

CIA2: MID SEMESTER EXAMINATION for 50 marks

CIA3: Assignment/test/poster preparation/review writing etc. for 20 marks

This course is to familiarize the students with fundamentals of food, nutrients and their relationship to health. Also to create awareness with respect to deriving maximum benefit from available food resources.

Introduction to nutrition - Food as source of nutrients, functions of food, definition of nutrition, nutrients & energy, adequate, optimum & good nutrition, malnutrition. Nutrition - Fitness, Athletics & Sports. Food guide - Basic five food groups How to use food guide (according to Recommended Dietary allowances R.D.A.). Interrelationship between nutrition & health: - Visible symptoms of goods health. Use of food in body - Digestion, Absorption, transport & utilization.

Functions, dietary sources and clinical manifestations of deficiency/ excess of the following nutrients: Carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. Fat soluble vitamins-A, D, E and K. Water soluble vitamins – thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin C Minerals – calcium, iron and iodine. Role of food in human health: The process of digestion, absorption, transport, utilization of carbohydrate, lipids, proteins, minerals, vitamins & water in human body.

Nutritional Needs during Pregnancy – Stages of pregnancy Normal growth and weight change, complications, Nutritional requirements, & meal planning. Nutrition during Infancy - Growth and development, factors influencing growth, difference between breast feeding and bottle feeding, factors to be considered in bottle feeding, different types of milk formulae available commercially. Nutritional needs of toddlers (1-5 year) &School children - Nutritional requirements of toddlers &school going children. Nutrition during Adolescence - Physical growth and changes. 

Introduction- Natural toxicants in food- Toxicant due to contamination of food with harmful bacteria, fungi, parasites, insects and rodents. Pesticide residue-Adulterants-Impact on human health-Prevention &control. Nutritional and infection relationship: Immunization and its importance, Food borne infection and intoxication diseases, foods involved, methods of prevention, Infestation of food borne diseases, Outbreak, Prevention signs and control of infection.

National and International agencies in uplifting the nutritional status -WHO, UNICEF, CARE, ICMR, ICAR, CSIR, CFTRI. Various nutrition related welfare programmes, ICDS, SLP, and others. Community nutrition programme planning - Identification of problem, analysis of causes, resources constraints, selection of interventions, setting a strategy, implementations and evaluation of the programme

2.         Dietary Reference Intakes by Jennifer J. Otten (Editor); Jennifer Pitzi Hellwig (Editor); Linda Meyers (Editor). Call Number: Reference 2nd Fl QP141 .D75 2006

3.         Fundamentals of foods and Nutrition - Mudambi SR and Rajagopal M Y, Wiley Eastern Ltd. 8. ICMR- Nutritive value of Indian Foods, 1989.

4.         Nutrition throughout the life cycle, Bonnie S.Worthinton, Roberts, Sue Rod well Williams.,The McGraw- Hill company,1996.

5.         Nutrition in the life span- Virginia Beal, John Wiley & sons New York.

2.         Modern Nutrition in Health and Diseases- Shills, E.M. Olson, A.J. and Shike, Lea and Febiger.

3.         Dietetics -B. Srilakshmi, New Age International Pvt. Ltd, 2003.

4.         NutritionScience-B.Srilakshmi,NewAgeInternationalPvt.Ltd., 2003.

5.         Food,nutrition and diet therapy -Krause, Eleventh edition

6.         Human Nutrition and Dietetics- Davidson S Passmore R, Brock JP, ELBS and Churchill, Livingstone.

CIA1: Assignment/test/poster preparation/review writing etc. for 20 marks

CIA2: MID SEMESTER EXAMINATION for 50 marks

CIA3: Assignment/test/poster preparation/review writing etc. for 20 marks

Attendance in class: 10 marks

END SEMSTER EXAMINATION: 5 x 20 marks = 100 marks. Out of five, three questions will have choices.

BioPharmaceutical Quality Assurance describes various aspects of biopharmaceutical industry including quality and covers different allied information of the industry.

Biopharmaceuticals and Biologics, Bio-generics and Biosimilars, Examples of Bio-generics and Biosimilars- India and Global, Approval procedure: US (ANDA, BLA), EU, Japan and India, Role of patents, High selling recombinant products, Challenges

Approaches to the characterization of biosimilars; Problems in characterizing biologics (Types of biologic, Peptides, Non-glycosylated proteins, Glycosylated proteins, Monoclonal antibodies); Equivalence issues; Post-translational modifications; Effect of microheterogeneity; Pharmacokinetics; Pharmacodynamics; and Clinical efficacy; Analytical methods for the characterization of biosimilars (Chromatography, Protein sequencing, Mass spectrometry, UV absorption, Circular dichroism, X-ray techniques, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Electrophoresis, Western Blotting, Bioassays, ELISA, Immunoprecipitation and other procedures).

Schedule-Y, Pre-clinical study requirements, Clinical trial phases and types, Bioethics & Stakeholders, Bio-Availability & Bio-Equivalence studies, Regulatory aspects.

Basic introduction on Global Regulatory Authorities: WHO, ICH, CDSCO (India), Pharmacopoeias, FDA (USA), TGA (Australia), PMDA (Japan), MHRA (UK), Health Canada (Canada), ROW.

cGMP: Basic concept, Quality Management System (Change Control, CAPA and Deviation), Master Formula Record (MFR) & Batch Process Record (BPR), Technology Transfer Document (TTD), Equipment Qualification Procedures: DQ, IQ, OQ and PQ; Facility Management, Concept on process validation, Audit Procedures

Good Documentation Practise, Data integrity guideline (FDA, PIC/S, WHO), CSV: Basic concept, Good automated manufacturing practice (GAMP5).

Basic concept of R&D in bio-pharmaceuticals. Basic Concept on different departments in R&D and their functions: Clone Development, Process Development (Upstream and Downstream), Formulation Development, Analytical Development,  R&D Quality Assurance, Inter Disciplinary teams (Manufacturing, Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing Science And Technology-MSAT, Regulatory Affairs). Different R&D documentations (Protocols, Reports, Common Technical Document as per ICH M4Q R1). Early Stage Development, Late Stage Development and Post Approval Changes.

International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) quality guidelines for biologics: Stability (Q1D, QIE and Q1F), Analytical Validation (Q2), Quality of Biotechnology products (Q5A, Q5B, QBC, Q5D and Q5E), Good Manufacturing Practise (Q7), Pharmaceutical Development (Q8), Pharmaceutical Quality System (Q10). Quality Risk Management (Q9) and Risk Assessment: different methodologies such as FMEA, FMECA, HAZOP etc. Basic Concept on Process Characterization (Univaritae OFAT and Multivariate studies, Application of statistical tools, Design of Experiments (DOE), Concept on a few DOE softwares. A-MAb case study and Data analysis.

Basic Concept, Control Charts, Multivariate modelling, Six Sigma strategy, Case based discussions

CIA1: Assignment/test/poster preparation/review writing etc. for 20 marks

CIA2: MID SEMESTER EXAMINATION for 50 marks

CIA3: Assignment/test/poster preparation/review writing etc. for 20 marks

Attendance in class: 10 marks

END SEMSTER EXAMINATION: 5 x 20 marks = 100 marks. Out of five, three questions will have choices.

Nanobiotechnology is an upcoming field in the recent era having multitude applications in Medicine, Environmental technology and Biotechnology. Recent researchers have discovered nano sized particles used for drug delivery, gene delivery, cancer immunotherapy, and enzyme delivery to target sites, industrial and environmental applications. This paper will emphasize the introductory knowledge on nano science and their applications in biological field.

Defining Nanobiotechnology and nanomaterial - Classification of nanostructures - Nanospheres, Nanotubes, Nanorods, Nanowires, Nanosheets, Quantum dots - Effects of the nanometre length scale - Changes to the system structure - How nanoscale dimensions affect properties - Nanocomposites - Graphene - Carbon Nanotubes - Fullerenes - Natural Nanomaterials - Bio-inspired nanomaterials.

Physical synthesis - Ball Milling - Electrodeposition - Spray Pyrolysis - Thermal evaporation Chemical synthesis - Sol-Gel Process - Metal Nanocrystals by Reduction - Solvothermal Synthesis - Biological Synthesis - Protein-Based Nanostructure Formation - DNA-Templated Nanostructure Formation - Protein Assembly, Green synthesis

Physical properties - Electrical, Optical, Mechanical, Magnetic, Quantum confinement, Surface Plasmon resonance - Electrochemical Properties of Nanoscale Materials, Intra-molecular bonding, Inter-molecular bonding, Nanocatalysis, Surface energy, Self-assembly - Interaction Between Biomolecules and Nanoparticle Surfaces