Plant Detectives Manual: a research-led approach for teaching plant science is a 2014 free online botany textbook from The Australian National University. It provides “a collection of detailed protocols to perform plant physiology experiments.”
The idea is to design a series of related experiments to help students experience a real research project and learn experimental techniques and results interpretation. This laboratory manual provides laboratory techniques for the study of plant morphology and physiology of the model organism thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana, hereafter Arabidopsis). The set of activities used here is not, however, limited in application to this well know model system; they can be applied to any species. Arabidopsis is an annual plant that has naturalized in both Australia and the United States as well as many other areas. Some species can go through their entire life cycle in as little as six weeks – a great study subject for botany students.
The text is comprised of 12 chapters, each of which represents a particular activity. Each activity is divided into the following sections: introduction and objectives; materials list; procedure and expected outcomes. The last chapter includes directions for students on writing a scientific manuscript and includes grammar and style tips along with advice on preparing oral presentations.
Table of Contents for The Plant Detective’s Manual
- Preface by Professor Ian Chubb
- The inspiration for the Plant Detectives Project
- About this manual
- General information about the Plant Detectives Project
- Activity 1: Observing the plant phenotype
- Activity 2: Seed germination and root growth
- Activity 3: Extraction and quantification of photosynthetic pigments
- Activity 4: Qualitative analyses of photosynthetic pigments by thin-layer chromatography (TLC)
- Activity 5: Qualitative analyses of photosynthetic pigments by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) — optional
- Activity 6: Quantification of anthocyanins
- Activity 7: Gas exchange measurements on intact leaves — photosynthetic responses to light and CO2
- Activity 8: Measuring stomatal conductance to water using a porometer
- Activity 9: Drought response
- Activity 10: Microscopy analyses
- Activity 11: Stomata and the effect of the hormone ABA
- Activity 12: Write-up and symposium
- Appendices
- Acknowledgements
- Bibliography
- Notes
View this Free Online Material at the source:
The Plant Detective’s Manual
