Syllabus of Optional Botany in the UPSC Exam

The UPSC examination, particularly for the IAS Mains, offers an optional subject that students can elect based on their interest or expertise. For those interested in botany, there are several critical topics under two main papers, which are covered in detail below.

Paper I

Microbiology and Plant Pathology

This section delves into the structures and reproduction of viruses, viroids, bacteria, fungi, and mycoplasma. It also highlights their applications in various industries like agriculture, medicine, and pollution control. Additionally, it explores prions, prion hypothesis, important crop diseases, modes of infection, molecular basis of infection, and disease resistance. The section also covers the physiology of parasitism, fungal toxins, modeling, and disease forecasting.

Cryptogams

The Cryptogams section discusses algae, fungi, lichens, bryophytes, and pteridophytes. It examines their structures and reproduction from an evolutionary viewpoint, distribution in India, and ecological and economic importance.

Phanerogams

Phanerogams cover two main subtopics: Gymnosperms and Angiosperms. Gymnosperms include the concepts of progymnosperms, classification and distribution, salient features, and more. Angiosperms delve into systematics, anatomy, embryology, palynology, and phylogeny. It also explores the taxonomic hierarchy, International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, and classification of various angiosperm families.

Plant Resource Development

This section focuses on domestication and introduction of plants, origin of cultivated plants, Vavilov’s centers of origin, and the manifold uses of plants including food, fodder, timber, and more. Ethnobotany is discussed in the context of India, followed by energy plantations, botanical gardens, and herbaria.

Morphogenesis

Morphogenesis covers several aspects including totipotency, polarity, symmetry, differentiation, and cell and tissue culture. It also includes topics like somatic hybrids, micropropagation, and somaclonal variation.

Paper II

Cell Biology

This section provides an in-depth look into cell biology techniques, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and various cell organelles with their functions. It also covers cell signaling and receptors, mitosis and meiosis, and the structure and packaging of the genome.

Genetics, Molecular Biology and Evolution

Here, the development of genetics is discussed, along with gene versus allele concepts, quantitative genetics, incomplete dominance, multiple alleles, and mutations. The section concludes with biochemical and molecular bases of genetics, organic evolution, and the role of RNA in evolution.

Plant Breeding, Biotechnology and Biostatistics

This section covers methods of plant breeding, including introduction, selection, and hybridization. It also discusses the use of apomixes in plant breeding, DNA sequencing, genetic engineering, and tools and techniques like PCR and FISH. Biostatistics involves standard deviation, coefficient of variation, tests of significance (Z-test, t-test, and chi-square test), probability distributions, correlation, and regression.

Physiology and Biochemistry

This comprehensive section explores water relations, mineral nutrition, ion transport, photosynthesis, and respiration. It also delves into lipid metabolism, nitrogen fixation, enzyme and coenzyme functions, and the importance of secondary metabolites. The section concludes with discussions on plant movements, stress physiology, and agricultural applications of growth substances.

Ecology and Plant Geography

Ecology and plant geography focus on concepts of ecosystems, ecological factors, plant succession, and concepts of biogeography. It includes discussions on the conservation and control of pollution, including phytoremediation. The section also covers forests, their types, ecological and economic importance, and the protected area network.

Conclusion

For students preparing for the UPSC examination, understanding the detailed syllabus of botany is crucial. By focusing on these areas, students can build a strong foundation of knowledge and excel in the domain of botany during their UPSC preparation.

References

For more detailed syllabus, interested candidates can visit the official Crackias website.