Unit I

The first chapter of Unit 1, the introduction, discusses the definition of botany. It explains the
scientific method, a method scientists use to get to the bottom of things. It also discusses
characteristics that living things have in common. It then differentiates plants from other living
things and compares plants to animals. Chapter 1 also includes discussions on the importance of
studying botany, as well as some of the different branches that fall under this scope of study. Finally,
it mentions important scientists whose contributions make up the basis of what we know about
plants today.
Chapter 2 deals with the chemical make-up of organisms. It starts with subatomic particles then
discusses different types of atoms. It also includes discussion in bonds formed between atoms and
molecules and compounds formed by these bonds. The four major types of organic compounds -
carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids – are also discussed. Finally, this chapter includes
a discussion of secondary metabolites found in plants.
Chapter 3 is concerned with the cell and structures that are commonly seen in them. It includes
the organelles and structure present only in the plant cell and the differences between the
mitochondria and the chloroplast. It also discusses the ways cells divide to produce daughter cells
with either a diploid, or a haploid number of chromosomes and their significance.
The last chapter of Unit 1, Chapter 4, deals with the major types of tissues formed by cells:
meristems, dermal tissues, vascular tissues, and ground tissues and where these tissues may be
found. Secretory structures are also discussed as well as tissues found in secondary growth.