Vascular Biology

Plant vascular biology is the study of the specialized transport system within plants, primarily focusing on the xylem and phloem tissues. This intricate network functions as the plant's plumbing, with the xylem responsible for conducting water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant, and the phloem distributing sugars and other organic compounds from photosynthetic leaves to areas of growth or storage. The field examines the development, structure, and function of this vascular system, which is fundamental for a plant's ability to grow, provide structural support, and transport resources over long distances, enabling its survival in terrestrial environments.

1. Introduction to Vascular Biology
   1. Definition and Scope
      1. What is Vascular Biology
      2. Relationship to Plant Physiology
      3. Relationship to Plant Anatomy
      4. Relationship to Plant Development
   2. Core Functions of Vascular Systems
      1. Long-Distance Transport
         1. Water Transport
         2. Mineral Transport
         3. Organic Compound Transport
         4. Signaling Molecule Transport
      2. Mechanical Support
         1. Structural Reinforcement
         2. Resistance to Wind Stress
         3. Resistance to Gravitational Forces
         4. Support for Vertical Growth
      3. Storage Functions
         1. Carbohydrate Storage
         2. Water Storage
         3. Mineral Storage
         4. Metabolite Storage
   3. Evolutionary Significance
      1. Transition from Aquatic to Terrestrial Life
         1. Water Transport Challenges
         2. Desiccation Prevention
         3. Structural Support Requirements
      2. Evolution of Plant Complexity
         1. Increased Plant Size
         2. Organ Differentiation
         3. Tissue Specialization
         4. Complex Life Cycles
      3. Phylogenetic Distribution
         1. Vascular vs Non-Vascular Plants
         2. Primitive Vascular Systems
         3. Advanced Vascular Systems
   4. Overview of Vascular Tissue Types
      1. Xylem Tissue
         1. Primary Functions
         2. Basic Structure
      2. Phloem Tissue
         1. Primary Functions
         2. Basic Structure
      3. Cambial Tissues
         1. Vascular Cambium
         2. Cork Cambium