Plant Physiology

Plant physiology is the sub-discipline of botany concerned with the functioning and vital processes of plants. It investigates the complex mechanisms that allow plants to live, grow, and reproduce, examining everything from the molecular level to the whole organism. Key areas of study include photosynthesis, respiration, the transport of water and nutrients through vascular tissues, plant growth and development as regulated by hormones, and responses to environmental stimuli such as light, gravity, and stress.

1. Introduction to Plant Physiology
   1. Scope and Importance of Plant Physiology
      1. Definition and Field Overview
      2. Relationship to Other Biological Sciences
      3. Applications in Agriculture and Biotechnology
      4. Environmental and Ecological Significance
   2. Historical Development of Plant Physiology
      1. Early Observations and Experiments
      2. Key Historical Figures and Discoveries
      3. Development of Modern Techniques
      4. Current Trends and Future Directions
   3. Levels of Organization in Plants
      1. Molecular Level
      2. Cellular Level
      3. Tissue Level
      4. Organ Level
      5. Whole Plant Level
      6. Population and Ecosystem Level