Principles and methods of light microscopy. Preparation of specimen for microscopy; documentation. Anatomy of seed plants: From cells to organs. Special features of plant cells. Anatomy and function of plant organs. Anatomical adaptations to different environments.
Learning objective
Capability of preparing biological specimen, microscopy and documentation. Understanding the correlation between plant structure and function at the level of organs, tissues and cells. Awareness of the link between plant anatomy, systematics, physiology, ecology, and development.
Content
Basics of optics. Principles of light microscopy. Microscope parts and their function. Köhler illumination. Optical contrasting methods. Measuring object sizes with the microscope. Preparation of specimen for light microscopy. Plant tissue staining techniques. Special features of plant cells: Plastids, vacuole, cell wall. Anatomy of seed plants: From cells to organs. Anatomy and function of various plant tissues (epidermis, vascular tissue, wood, etc.). Anatomy and function of different plant organs (root, stem, leaf, flower, fruit, seed). Anatomical adaptations to different environments.
Lecture notes
Handouts
Literature
For further reading (not obligatory): Gerhard Wanner: Mikroskopisch-Botanisches Praktikum, Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart.
Prerequisites / Notice
Groups of a maximum of 30 students.
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)