Introduction to Seed Biology

Overview

What you will learn

The objectives of the Introduction to Seed Biology course offered by University of Pretoria are:

Understanding and explaining the following:

• What is Seed Laboratories main function?

• What is ISTA?

• What are ISTA’s functions?

• What is a cell? 

• What is the main difference between a prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

• Define the term “organelle”  

• What is the distinguishing feature(s) of a plant cell? 

• Give the names and functions of the different organelles.

• What are a Eukaryotes?

• What are a Prokaryotes?

• What are an Organelles?

• Define the terms physiology, morphology, and biochemistry. 

• What is a Morphology?

• What is a Physiology?

• Explain how plants are named.

• Be able to write a scientific name of a plant in the correct manner. 

• Understand what each part of a scientific name refers too.

Understand the following:

• Taxonomy

• Species

• Binomial

• Variety

• Cultivar

• Leaves

• Stems

• Roots

• Endosperm

• Sexual reproduction

• Leaching

• Scarification

• Stratification

• Dormancy

• Orthodox

• Recalcitrant

• Define genetics.

• Define and describe the different parts (morphologically) of a plant, a flower and a seed.

• Explain where seeds originate from.

• Define pollination.

• Explain why pollination is important.

The following terminology is important:

• What is an Anther

• What is Pollen

• What is a Stigma

• Define and describe germination.

• Explain the conditions needed for a seed to germinate.

• Explain dormancy and how it influences seed germination.

• Explain why genetics is important in plant breeding and seed production.

• Genotype

• Phenotype