Plant physiology is a branch of botany that focuses on the functions and processes of plants.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Plant Physiology vs. Botany
| Feature | Botany | Plant Physiology |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The broad, encompassing scientific study of plants. | The study of plant function and processes. |
| Scope | Includes plant anatomy, morphology, taxonomy, ecology, and physiology. | Focuses on the internal workings of plants (e.g., photosynthesis). |
| Focus | What plants are. | How plants work. |
| Relationship | A broader field that contains plant physiology as a sub-discipline. | A sub-discipline within botany. |
Key Aspects of Plant Physiology
According to the provided reference, plant physiology involves:
- Descriptive study of variation and structure of plants at the molecular and cellular level.
- Ecological, physiological and biochemistry related aspects of plant exploration.
In essence, it delves into the inner workings of plants from a biochemical and molecular perspective, explaining how plants survive and thrive in different environments. For example, it investigates how plants absorb nutrients, transport water, and convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.
