UPSC Mains BOTANY-PAPER-I 2021

What are prions? How are these different from viroids? How are prions transmitted?

Explain the structure of sporangiophore and dehiscence of sporangium of Rhizopus.

Enumerate the merits and demerits of numerical taxonomy.

Briefly discuss the distribution of gymnosperms in India.

Explain conjugation and transformation in bacteria. Write a brief note on their significance.

Explain evolution of sex in algae with suitable examples.

Describe the concept of progymnosperms with the help of suitable examples.

Discuss about the names of causal organisms, symptoms, disease cycle and management of loose smut of wheat. What are the differences between rust and smut fungi?

Enumerate the salient features of fossil gymnosperms using suitable examples with special reference to Bennettitales and Cordaitales.

Give the general characteristics of bryophytes. Enlist the resemblances and differences of bryophytes with pteridophytes.

Explain with the help of schematic diagrams haplontic, diplontic, isomorphic, heteromorphic and triphasic types of life cycles in algae. Give an example of each type.

Describe stelar diversity in vascular cryptogams along with its evolutionary importance.

Discuss the applications of microbes in bioremediation of soil and water.

Enumerate different kinds of trichomes and explain their taxonomic importance.

Discuss the advanced features of Asteraceae and Orchidaceae.

Explain the importance of ethnobotany in human welfare.

Mention the evolutionary changes that occur during domestication of plants. Also mention its advantages and disadvantages.

Discuss the concept of cellular totipotency in higher plants.

Describe the development of female gametophyte in angiosperms with the help of suitable illustrations.

Give the botanical name, part used and ethnomedicinal importance of any three species each of Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Liliaceae.

Define secondary metabolites. Explain their importance in taxonomy.

Describe the economic botany of fibre and gum yielding plants (five species each).

Discuss the factors affecting somatic embryogenesis.

Describe the method of isolation of protoplast from leaf tissue.

Compare and contrast 'preservation' and 'conservation' of plants. Explain the importance of both in the utilization and management of plant resources.

Describe different stages of micropropagation and discuss its advantages over conventional methods of propagation.

Explain the technique used in producing androgenic haploids and its applications in agriculture.