Contents

1. Introduction

1.1 A Broad Outline of the Plant Classification

1.2 Thallophyta

1.3 General Characters of Cryptogams

2. Algae

2.1 Algae

2.2 General Characters of Algae

2.2.1 Classification by G. M. Smith

2.2.2 Classification by Bold and Wynne (1978)

2.3 Life Cycle of Spirogyra

2.3.1 Habitat, i.e., Occurrence

2.3.2 Habit, i.e., Thallus Organization

2.3.3 Structure of the Typical Cell

2.3.4 Reproduction, i.e., Multiplication

2.3.5 Parenthenogenesis

2.3.6 Structure of the Zygospore (fig. 2.6

2.3.7 Germimation of Zygospore

2.3.8 Graphic Representation of the Life Cycle

2.3.9 Systematic Position

2.4   Utilization of Algae

2.4.1 Algae - Biofuel Industry

2.4.2 Algae in Agriculture

2.4.3 Algae as Food and Fodder

2.4.4 Algae in Pharmaceuticals

3. Lichens - “Duel Organisms”

3.1 Introduction

3.2 General Characters

3.3(a) Nature of Association

3.3(b) Forms

3.3.1 Crustose Lichens

3.3.2 Foliose Lichens

3.3.3 Fruticose Lichens

3.4 Internal Structure of Lichen Thallus

3.4.1 V. S. of Homoiomerous Lichen (fig. 3.5)

3.4.2 V. S. of Heteromerous Lichen (fig. 3.6)

3.4.3 T.S of Fruticose Lichen (fig. 3.7)

3.4.4 T.S. of Crustose Lichen

3.5 Reproduction in Lichens

3.5.1 Vegetative Reproduction

3.5.2 Asexual Reproduction

3.5.3 Sexual Reproduction

3.6 Utilization of Lichens   

4. Fungi

4.1 Introduction

4.2 General Characteristics

4.3 Classification of Fungi - By Ainsworth, G.C. (1971)

4.4 Life Cycle of Mushroom - Agaricus bisporus

4.4.2 Structure of Mycelium

4.4.3 Structure of the Gill

4.4.4 Development and Structure of Basidiospores

4.4.1 Systematic Position

4.5 Utilization of Fungi

4.5.1 Fungi in Industries

4.5.2 Fungi in Agriculture

4.5.3 Fungi as Food

4.5.4 Fungi in Pharmaceuticals

5. Bryophyta

5.1 Introduction

5.2 General Characters of Bryophyta

5.3  Classification of Bryophyta

5.4 Life Cycle of Riccia

5.4.1 Habitat

5.4.2 Habit

5.4.3 Reproduction

5.4.4 Fertilization

5.4.5 Sporophyte

5.4.6 Alternation of Generations (fig. 5.9)

5.4.7 Riccia - differences between Gametophyte and Sporophyte

5.4.8 Classification

5.5   Utilization of Bryophytes

5.5.1 Bryophytes in Ecology

5.5.2 Bryophytes as Fuel

5.5.3 Bryophyte in Horticulture

5.5.4 Bryophytes in Medicine

5.5.5 Bryophytes as Food