Plant anatomy: an applied approach

1. Morphology and tissue systems: the integrated plant body

General background

Adaptation to aerial growth

The systems in detail

2. Meristems and meristematic growth

Introduction

Apical meristems

Lateral meristems

Practical applications and uses of meristems

3. The structure of xylem and phloem

Introduction

The xylem

The phloem

Structure

function relationships in primary and secondary vascular tissues

4. The root

Introduction

Epidermis

Cortex

Endodermis

Pericycle

Vascular system

Lateral roots

5. The stem

Introduction

Stems

cross-sectional appearance

Transport phloem within the axial system

Transport tissue

structural components

Concluding remarks

6. The leaf

Introduction

Leaf structure

The epidermis

The mesophyll

Strengthening systems in the leaf

The vascular system

The phloem

Specifics of the monocotyledonous foliage leaf

Secretory structures

Concluding remarks

7. Flowers, fruits, and seeds

Introduction

Vascularization

SEM studies

Palynology

Embryology

Seed and fruit histology

8. Adaptive features

Introduction

Mechanical adaptations

Adaptations to habitat

Xerophytes

Mesophytes

Hydrophytes

Applications

9. Economic aspects of applied plant anatomy

Introduction

Identification and classification

Taxonomic application

Medicinal plants

Food adulterants and contaminants

Animal feeding habits

Wood: present day

Wood: in archaeology

Forensic applications

Palaeobotany

Postscript

10. Practical microtechnique

Safety considerations

Materials and methods

Microscopy

Appendix 1. Selected study material

Appendix 2. Practical exercises.