UNIVERSITY OF MADRAS
B.Sc. DEGREE COURSE IN BOTANY
SEMESTER SYSTEM WITH CREDITS
(Effective from the Academic Year 2003-2004)
SYLLABUS

Application Oriented Subject I - 1.Microtechnique

Duration: 3 hrs
Maximum Marks: 100
Credits: 4

Lecture 4 Hrs; Practicals 2 Hrs. per week

Theory:

Unit - I

Light microscopy, history and optical principles use and care of microscopes, a brief survey of different types of microscopes including E.M

Unit - II

Microtechnical processes - principles and techniques

(a) Fixation and Fixatives
(b) Staining and Stains

Unit - III

Special techniques - smear, squash and maceration.

Unit - IV

Microtorny - types of microtomes and their use.

Unit - V

Methods for specific materials

(a) Whole mount of Algae and Fungi.
(b) Sectioning of Bryophytes, Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms.
(c) Maceration and sectioning of angiosperm materials.

Practicals

1. Preparing and recording of microscopic preparation as in unit 2
2. Learning the skills of special techniques as in unit 3

Reference Books

1. Johansan D.A 1940, Plant Microtechniques Tata McGraw Hill.
2. Sase John E 1964, Botanical Microtechnique, oxford 7 Ibh.
3. Gray P 1964, Hand Book of Basic Microtechniques, McGraw Hill.
4. Alan Peacock H 1966, Elementary Microtechniue; Edward Arnod Publishers Ltd.
5. Duddington C.L. 1960, Practical Microscopy, Pitman.
6. Mccluney C.L 1961, Hand Book of Microscopical Technique, Wafner.