BOTANY-1

BO-111: Plant Life and Utilization-I

Q. 1) Attempt any FIVE of the following.

a) Define cryptogams.
Ans A cryptogam is a plant or plant-like creature that reproduces through spores rather than
seeds or blooms. The algae, bryophytes, and pteridophytes are considered cryptograms.

b) Write on Habit of Agaricus.

Ans Habit and Habitat • Agaricus is an edible fungus and is commonly known as mushroom. It
is a saprophytic fungus found growing on soil humus, decaying litter on forest floors, in the fields
and lawns, wood logs and manure piles.

c) What is Phycobiont
Ans Phycobiont is responsible for providing food for the fungus by undergoing photosynthesis.
Algae contain chlorophyll to prepare food for fungi. Phycobiont forms simple carbohydrates by
photosynthesis.

d) Give any four characters of Algae.

Ans Algae are eukaryotic organisms that have no roots, stems, or leaves but do have
chlorophyll and other pigments for carrying out photosynthesis

c) Enlist four examples of Fungi.

Ans
● Fungi are eukaryotic, non-vascular, non-motile and heterotrophic organisms.
● They may be unicellular or filamentous.
● They reproduce by means of spores.
● Fungi exhibit the phenomenon of alternation of generation.

f) What are Bryophytes.

Ans
Bryophytes is the informal group name for mosses, liverworts and hornworts. They are
non-vascular plants
Q.2) a) Give outline system classification of plant kingdom.
Ans The outline system classification of the plant kingdom typically follows this structure:

1. **Kingdom**: Plantae
- All plants belong to this kingdom.
2. **Division/Phylum**:
- This level divides plants into major groups based on their overall characteristics.
3. **Class**:
- Further subdivision within divisions, based on more specific characteristics.
4. **Order**:
- Groups of related families within a class.
5. **Family**:
- Includes genera (plural of genus) that share common characteristics.
6. **Genus**:
- Groups of closely related species with similar characteristics.
7. **Species**:
- The most specific level, representing individual organisms with distinct traits.

This hierarchical system allows scientists to classify plants based on their evolutionary
relationships, morphological features, and reproductive structures.

b) Write systematic position of Spirogyra with reasons.

Ans The systematic position of Spirogyra within the plant kingdom is as follows:

1. **Kingdom**: Plantae
- Spirogyra belongs to the kingdom Plantae as it possesses typical plant characteristics such
as cellulose cell walls, chlorophyll for photosynthesis, and the ability to produce their own food
through photosynthesis.
2. **Division**: Charophyta (or Chlorophyta, depending on classification systems)
- Spirogyra is classified within the division Charophyta (or Chlorophyta) because it is a
member of the green algae group. Green algae share many characteristics with land plants,
such as the presence of chlorophyll a and b, and similar cell wall composition.
3. **Class**: Zygnematophyceae
- Spirogyra is classified within the class Zygnematophyceae due to its filamentous
morphology and characteristic method of sexual reproduction through the formation of
conjugation tubes, which is a defining feature of this class.
4. **Order**: Zygnematales
- Spirogyra belongs to the order Zygnematales, which includes filamentous green algae
characterized by unbranched filaments and zygotic meiosis.
5. **Family**: Zygnemataceae
- Within the order Zygnematales, Spirogyra is classified in the family Zygnemataceae, along
with other filamentous green algae that reproduce through conjugation.
6. **Genus**: Spirogyra - Finally, Spirogyra is the genus name, representing a group of green
algae characterized by their spiral chloroplasts and unbranched filaments.
Q.3) a) Write a note on uses of Algae in agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
Ans Algae, the diverse group of photosynthetic organisms found in aquatic environments, have
significant applications in agriculture and pharmaceuticals:

**Uses in Agriculture:**
1. **Biofertilizers**: Certain algae, like blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), fix atmospheric
nitrogen, enriching soil fertility. This natural process reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers,
promoting sustainable agriculture.
2. **Soil Conditioners**: Algal extracts enhance soil structure, water retention, and nutrient
availability. They improve soil health, promoting better plant growth and productivity.
3. **Livestock Feed**: Algae, such as spirulina and chlorella, are rich in proteins, vitamins, and
minerals. They serve as nutritious supplements in animal feed, improving livestock health and
productivity.
4. **Aquaculture**: Algae play a crucial role in aquaculture systems as primary producers and
food sources for fish and other aquatic organisms. They contribute to water quality maintenance
and sustainable aquaculture practices.

**Uses in Pharmaceuticals:**
1. **Bioactive Compounds**: Algae produce a plethora of bioactive compounds with
pharmaceutical potential, including antioxidants, antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, and
anticancer agents. These compounds are valuable in drug discovery and development.
2. **Medicinal Supplements**: Spirulina and chlorella are popular algae supplements due to
their rich nutritional profile. They provide essential nutrients, boost immunity, and offer potential
health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
3. **Wound Healing**: Alginate, a polysaccharide extracted from brown algae, is used in wound
dressings. Its gel-forming properties create a moist environment conducive to wound healing,
making it an effective wound management material.
4. **Phycocolloids**: Phycocolloids derived from algae, such as agar and carrageenan, serve as
valuable excipients in pharmaceutical formulations. They act as stabilizers, emulsifiers, and
gelling agents in various drug delivery systems.
b) Give an account of utilization aspects of Bryophytes
Ans Bryophytes, including mosses, liverworts, and hornworts, have various utilization aspects:

1. **Ecological Importance:** Bryophytes play crucial roles in ecosystems by providing habitat

and food for various organisms, contributing to nutrient cycling, and preventing soil erosion.
2. **Bioindicators:** Due to their sensitivity to environmental changes, bryophytes are used as
bioindicators to assess air and water quality, soil pollution, and climate change impacts.
3. **Traditional Medicine:** Some cultures use bryophytes in traditional medicine for treating
ailments such as skin disorders, digestive issues, and even as antiseptics.
4. **Horticulture:** Certain species of mosses are popular in horticulture for landscaping,
especially in creating moss gardens, green roofs, and terrariums due to their aesthetic appeal
and ability to retain moisture.
5. **Soil Improvement:** Bryophytes help improve soil structure and fertility by enhancing water
retention, promoting microbial activity, and adding organic matter through decomposition.
6. **Biofuel Potential:** Research is ongoing to explore the biofuel potential of bryophytes,
particularly in terms of their high carbohydrate content, which could be converted into bioethanol
or other biofuels.
7. **Phytoremediation:** Some bryophyte species have been studied for their ability to absorb
and accumulate heavy metals and other pollutants from contaminated environments,
contributing to phytoremediation efforts.
8. **Food Source:** While not a significant food source for humans, certain bryophyte species
are consumed by animals such as insects, snails, and some mammals, providing nutrition in
their diets.

Q.4)
a) Comment on forms of lichens.
Ans Lichens come in various forms, from crustose, which are flat and closely adhered to
surfaces, to foliose, which are leafy and loosely attached, and fruticose, which are branching
and bushy. Each form has its own unique ecological niche and appearance.

b) Discuss methods of sexual reproduction in Spirogyra.

Ans Spirogyra, a type of green algae, reproduces sexually through a process called
conjugation. During conjugation, two adjacent filaments of Spirogyra align, and conjugation
tubes form between them. These tubes allow the transfer of genetic material (haploid nuclei)
from one filament to another. After fusion, zygotes are formed, which eventually develop into
new Spirogyra filaments.
Q.5) Write a short note on any FOUR of the following.

a) Comment on lichens.
Ans Lichens are fascinating symbiotic organisms composed of fungi and algae or
cyanobacteria. They can thrive in extreme environments and play crucial roles in ecological
processes like soil formation and nitrogen fixation. Plus, they're pretty cool to look at!
b) Fungi as food.
Ans Fungi are a versatile and nutritious food source enjoyed worldwide. From the meaty texture
of mushrooms to the umami-rich flavor of truffles, fungi offer a wide range of culinary
possibilities. They're also packed with essential nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and
minerals.

c) Utilization of fungi in agriculture and pharmaceutical industry.

Ans Fungi play essential roles in both agriculture and the pharmaceutical industry. In
agriculture, certain fungi, like mycorrhizae, form symbiotic relationships with plant roots,
enhancing nutrient uptake and overall plant health. Fungi are also used in biological pest control
to manage plant diseases and pests.
In the pharmaceutical industry, fungi are a valuable source of bioactive compounds used in the
development of medications. For example, penicillin, derived from the fungus Penicillium,
revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections. Additionally, fungi produce compounds with
potential anticancer, antiviral, and immunosuppressive properties, making them important
targets for drug discovery and development.

d) Structure of sex organ of Riccia

Ans

e) What is protonema
Ans Protonema is a mass of thread-like green filaments produced by germinating moss spores.
It's the first stage in the life cycle of mosses, serving as the precursor to the development of the
mature gametophyte plant.

f) Comment on Thalli of Agaricus.

Ans The thallus of Agaricus, commonly known as the mushroom cap, is the reproductive
structure of the fungus. It's typically umbrella-shaped with gills on the underside where spores
are produced. This structure plays a crucial role in the dispersal of spores for reproduction.