BI 153 Fundamentals of Plant Biology

Lecture Hours: 3
Lab Hours: 3
Credits: 4

Introduction to the anatomy and basic metabolic processes (cellular and organismal) of plants. Includes a survey of the evolution of plant diversity and discusses plant life cycles and inheritance. Serves as background for students in the Horticulture programs.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Provide a multi-faceted explanation as to why plants are essential to life on Earth
Describe our current hypothesis as to how modern plant groups evolved
Differentiate between a plant and a photosynthetic algae or bacterium
Recognize and identify plant and cell structures at the macroscopic and microscopic level and explain how the symbiotic relationships between plants and other organisms such as pollinators and fungi are essential to plant success
Describe the roles of enyzmes and water in the basic function of plants at the cellular and organismal level.
Demonstrate a basic understanding of how plants capture, store and use energy.
Diagram the processes of plant reproduction with a focus on flowering plants.
Apply the principles of Mendelian genetics to explain how characteristics are controlled by genes.
Evaluate the costs and benefits of the application of recombinant DNA technology to plants.
Predict the effects of hormones and environment on the growth and timing of vascular plant responses to environment.

Additional Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Gather, comprehend, and communicate scientific and technical information in order to explore ideas, models, and solutions and generate further questions.
Apply scientific and technical modes of inquiry, individually, and collaboratively, to critically evaluate existing or alternative explanations, solve problems, and make evidence-based decisions in an ethical manner.
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of scientific studies and critically examine the influence of scientific and technical knowledge on human society and the environment.

Content Outline

Introduction to Plant Biology
- Why are plants important to life on Earth?
- Properties of life
- Using the scientific method
Evolution of Plant Diversity
- Natural selection as a driving force behind evolution
- Evolution of photosynthesis and Earth’s O2-based atmosphere
- Evolution of mitochondria and chloroplasts
- Characteristics shared by all plants
- Plant diversity (Bryophytes, Seedless vascular plants, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms)
Cell structure and Function
- Prokaryotes versus Eukaryotes
- Plant cell structure
- Mitosis
- Organization into tissue systems
Plant Structure and Function
- Overall Structure (roots vs. shoots)
- Stems (herbaceous vs. woody)
- Roots (including interactions with other organisms)
- Leaves
Plant Metabolism
- Key chemistry concepts (atomic structure, chemical reactions, macromolecules, propertiesof water)
- Enzymes and cell energetics
- Overview of Photosynthesis
- Overview of Respiration
Plant Reproduction
- Meiosis
- Alternation of Generations
- Angiosperm life cycle
- Flowers, fruits, and seeds (structure and function)
Plant Genetics
- Mendel’s laws
- Basic Genetics problems that follow these laws
- Biotechnology and Plant Genetics
Internal Transport in Plants
- Osmosis, diffusion and bulk flow
- Xylem
- Phloem
Response to the Environment
- Plant Growth (germination, primary growth and secondary growth)
- Hormones and plant growth responses
- Plant Defenses
- Adaptations
Laboratories
- Introduction to Scientific Method
- Microscopes and Plant Diversity
- Plant Cells, Tissues, and Organs
- Enzymes
- Photosynthesis and Cellular respiration
- Plant Transport
- Basic Plant Genetics
- Flowers, Seeds, and Fruit
- Plant Growth and Development
- Term-long group inquiry project