Botany: Understanding Plant Biology

Botany is a field of biology that is concerned with the study of plant life. This field has its roots in herbalism, which later evolved with the development and applications of techniques such as optical and electron microscopy, live cell imaging, analysis of chromosome number and plant chemistry, among others. The techniques of molecular genetic analysis such as proteomics and genomics have also significantly advanced the frontiers of this science. The study of plant growth, structure and differentiation, primary metabolism, reproduction, diseases, taxonomy, genetics and epigenetics, etc. are significant areas of study in this field. It has applications in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and breeding, as well as in the provision of materials like rubber, drugs, timber, fiber, etc. This book provides comprehensive insights into the field of plant biology. Most of the topics introduced herein cover the principles and applications of botany. Those with an interest in this field would find this textbook helpful.