UPESSC Assistant Professor Life Sciences syllabus

1Botany · Cell Biology

• Cell as structural and functional unit of life; Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cell's structural and functional details, structure and function of extra-cellular matrix, cell wall, cell membrane, cell-cell adhesion, membrane transport and vesicular transport, structure and function of cell organelles; Chloroplasts, Mitochondria, Nucleus, Endoplasmic Reticulum Dictyosomes, Ribosomes, Endosomes, Lysosomes, Peroxisomes, Cytoskeleton and Micro-tubules, Chromatin organization and packaging of chromosomes, structure, behavior and significance of Polytene chromosomes and B- chromosomes.

2Botany · Microbiology and Plant Pathology

• Structure and reproduction/ multiplication of viruses, bacteriophages, bacteria, fungi, mycoplasma and phytoplasma,endophytes and their significance, applications of microbes in agriculture, industry, medicine and in bioremediation; Important crop diseases caused by viruses, fungi bacteria, myco plasma, phytoplasma and nematodes; Mode of infection and disease resistance/ defense mechanism in plants, PR proteins, control measures and biological control, Mycotoxins.

3Botany · Cryptogams

• Algae, Fungi, Lichens, Bryophytes,Pteridophytes; structure and reproduction from evolutionary point of view; Distribution of cryptogams in India and their ecological as well as economic importance.

4Botany · Phanerogams

• Gymnosperms, concept of Pro-gymnosperms, classification and distribution of gymnosperms, Salient features of CycadalesGinkgoales, Conferales and Gnetales, their structure and reproduction; General account of Cycadofilicales, Bennettitales and Cordaitales, Geological time scale, Types of fossils and techniques for their study.
• Angiosperms: Systematics, Anatomy, Embryology, Palynology; International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, Numerical Taxonomy, Chemotaxonomy and molecular taxonomy, Evidences from embryology and palynology.
• Comparative account of various systems of classification of angiosperms, study of angiospermicfamilies, Mangnoliaceae, Ranunculaceae, Capparidaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Apiacae, Rubiaceae, Asteraceae, Apocynaceae, Solonaceae, Acanthaceae, Lamiaceae, Verbenaceae, Arecaeae, Liliaceae, Musaceae,Orchidaceae, Poaceae; Unusual secondary growth, Development of male and female gametophytes, fertilization, Development and function of endosperm, Development of embryo, Polyembryony and apomixis, Experimental Embryology including haploid/anther culture, embryo culture and test-tube fertilization.

5Botany · Plant Resource Development

• Domestication and introduction of plants, Plants as sources for food, fodder, fibers, spices, beverages, edible oils, essential oils, drugs, narcotics, insecticides/pesticides, timber, gums, resins, dyes, latex, cellulose, starch and its products, perfumery, Importance of Ethnobotany in Indian context; Energy plantation; Herbal drugs; Botanical gardens and Herbaria.

6Botany · Morphogenesis

• Totipotency, polarity, symmetry and differentiation; cell, tissue, organ and protoplast culture, Somatic hybrids and Cybrids, Micro-propagation, Somaclonal variation. Applications of Plant Tissue culture and Synthetic Seed.

7Botany · Genetics and Evolution

• Gene versus allele concept, Pseudo-alleles, Quantitative genetics and multiple factors, incomplete dominance, Polygenic inheritance, Linkage and Crossing over, Methods of genemapping including molecular maps; Sex-chromosomes and sex-linked inheritance, sex-determination and molecular basis of sex-differentiation; Mutations- Biochemical and Molecular basis; Cytoplasmic inheritance and cytoplasmic genes (including genetics of male sterility, Back-cross structure of nucleic acids and proteins; Double helical structure of DNA, Genetic code, Concept of gene, Regulation of gene expression; Gene silencing, Multi-gene families, Structure of protein, protein folding, Organic evolution- evidences, Theories of evolution, Role of RNA in origin and evolution, Phylogeny, Construction of Phylogenetic tree.

8Botany · Biotechnology

• DNA sequencing and its various strategies, Genetic engineering; methods of transfer of genes, Cre-lox system and its application, transgenic crops and bio-safety, Plant genome sequencing, development and use of molecular markers in plant breading, Southern blotting, DNA fingerprinting, PCR-its variations and applications, FISH, Edible vaccines, Plantibodies.
• DNA/gene manipulating enzymes: Endonucleases, Exonucleases, Ligases, Polymerases, Phosphatases, Transcriptases, Transferases; DNA damage and repair, Gene cloning.
• Standard deviation and coefficient of variation, Tests of significance- Z-test, t-test and chi-square test, Probability and distribution, (Normal, binomial and Poison), Co-relation and regression, application of statistics and biology.

9Botany · Physiology and Biochemistry

• Water relation, mineral nutrition and ion transport, mineral deficiencies and their impact on plants; Photosynthesis-photochemical reactions, photophosphorylation, Z-Scheme, Carbon fixation pathways – C₃, C₄ and CAM pathways; Oxidative phosphorylation, Chemiosmotic theory and ATP synthesis, glycolytic pathway, Kreb's cycle;
• Lipid metabolism; classification and nomenclature of lipids, synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids.
• Nitrogen fixation and nitrogen metabolism
• Enzymes; Nomenclature, classification, mechanism of action, Enzyme regulation and inhibition, Applications of enzymes, Ribozymes.
• Importance of secondary metabolites, pigments as photo receptor plant movements, Photoperiodism, flowering in plants, Vernalization, senescence; Growth hormones-chemical nature and application in agriculture; Growth indices, growth movements, stress physiology (heat, water, salinity, heavy metals), stress tolerance in plants. Fruit and seed physiology; Seed dormancy, seed germination, fruit ripening – its molecular basis and manipulation

10Botany · Ecology and Plant Geography

• Concept of ecosystem, Ecological factors, concept and dynamics of community, Plant succession, concept of biosphere, Ecosystem conservation, Pollution and its sources, effects and control, Phytoremediation, plant indicators of pollution,environmental protection acts.
• Forest types of India- Ecological and economic importance of forests, afforestation, deforestation, reforestation, social forestry; endangered plants, endemism, biodiversity and its hotspots, biodiversity conservation, IUCN categories, red data books, protected area network, conventions on biological diversity; farmer's right and intellectual property rights; bio geo chemical cycles; global warming and climatic change, acid rain, eutrophication, Ozone depletion, invasive species, environmental impact assessment, phytogeographical regions of India.

11Zoology · Molecules and their interaction relevant to Biology

• A. Structure of atoms, molecules and chemical bonds.
• B. Composition, structure and function of biomolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids and vitamins).
• C. Principles of biophysical chemistry (pH, buffer, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, colligative properties).
• D. Bioenergetics, glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, coupled reaction, group transfer, biological energy transducers.
• E. Principles of catalysis, enzymes and enzyme kinetics, enzyme regulation, mechanism of enzyme catalysis, isozymes
• F. Conformation of proteins (Ramachandran plot, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure; domains; motif and folds).
• G. Conformation of nucleic acids (A-,B-,Z-, DNA), t-RNA, micro-RNA).
• H. Metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids nucleotides and vitamins.

12Zoology · Cellular Organization

• A. Plasma membrane and extra cellular vesicles
• B. Membrane structure and function : Structure of model membrane, lipid bilayer and membrane protein diffusion, osmosis, ion channels, active transport, ion pumps, mechanism of sorting and regulation of intracellular transport, electrical properties of membranes.
• C. Structural organization and function of intracellular organelles : Nucleus, mitochondria, Golgi bodies, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, peroxisomes, vacuoles, structure & function of cytoskeleton and its role in motility.
• D. Organization of genes and chromosomes : Operon, interrupted genes, gene families, structure of chromatin and chromosomes, unique and repetitive DNA, heterochromatin, euchromatin, transposons.
• E. Cell division and cell cycle : Mitosis and meiosis, their regulation, steps in cell cycle, and control of cell cycle.

13Zoology · Fundamental Processes and techniques

• A. DNA replication, repair and recombination : Unit of replication, enzymes involved, replication origin and replication fork, fidelity of replication, extrachromosomal replicons, DNA damage and repair mechanisms.
• B. RNA synthesis and processing : Transcription factors and machinery, formation of initiation complex, transcription activator and repressor, RNA polymerases, capping, elongation, and termination, RNA processing, RNA editing, splicing, polyadenylation, structure and function of different types of RNA, RNA transport.
• C. Protein synthesis and processing : Main Steps in protein synthesis, Ribosome, formation of initiation complex, initiation factors and their regulation, elongation and elongation factors, termination, genetic code, aminoacylation of tRNA, tRNA-identity, aminoacyl tRNA synthetase, and translational proof-reading, translational inhibitors, Post- translational modification of proteins.
• D. Molecular Biology and Recombinant DNA methods : Isolation and purification of RNA, DNA (genomic and plasmid) and proteins, different separation methods; Analysis of RNA, DNA and proteins by one and two dimensional gel electrophoresis. Generation of genomic and cDNA libraries in plasmid, phage, cosmid, BAC and YAC vectors; In vitro mutagenesis and deletion techniques, gene knock out in bacterial and eukaryotic organisms; Protein sequencing methods, detection of post-translation modification of proteins; DNA sequencing methods.
• E. Histochemical and Immunotechniques : Antibody generation, Detection of molecules using ELISA, RIA, western blot, immunoprecipitation, fluocytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy.
• F. Biophysical Method : analysis of biomolecules using UV/visible, fluorescence, circular dichroism, NMR and ESR spectroscopy, structure determination using x-ray diffraction and NMR; analysis using light scattering, different types of mass spectrometry and surface plasma resonance methods.
• G. Microscopic techniques : Visualization of cells and subcellular components by light microscopy, resolving powers of different microscopes, microscopy of living cells, scanning and transmission microscopes, (SEM and TEM) different fixation and staining techniques for EM, freeze-etch and freeze- fracture methods for EM, image processing methods in microscopy.

14Zoology · Cell Communication and cell signaling

• A. Host parasite interaction : Recognition and entry processes of different pathogens like bacteria, viruses into animal alteration of host cell behavior by pathogens.
• B. Cell Signaling : Hormones and their receptors, cell surface receptor, signaling through G-protein coupled receptors, signal transduction pathways, second messengers.
• C. Cellular Communication : Regulation of hematopoiesis, general principles of cell communication, cell adhesion and roles of different adhesion molecules, gap junctions, extracellular matrix, integrins, neurotransmission and its regulation.
• D. Cancer : Genetic rearrangements in progenitor cells, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, cancer and the cell cycle, virus-induced cancer, metastasis, interaction of cancer cells with normal cells, apoptosis, senescence.
• E. Innate and adaptive immune system : Cells and molecules involved in innate and adaptive immunity, antigens, antigenicity and immunogenicity. B and T cell epitopes, structure and function of antibody molecules. generation of antibody diversity, monoclonal antibodies, antibody engineering, antigen-antibody diversity, monoclonal antibodies, antibody engineering, antigen-antibody interactions, MHC molecules, antigen processing and presentation, activation and differentiation of B and T cells, B and T cell receptors, humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, primary and secondary immune modulation, the complement system.

15Zoology · Developmental Biology

• A. Basic concepts of development : Potency, commitment, specification, induction, competence, determination and differentiation.
• B. Gametogenesis, fertilization and early development: Production of gametes, cell surface molecules in sperm-egg recognition in animals; zygote formation, cleavage, blastula formation, embryonic fields, gastrulation and formation of germ layers in animals; embryogenesis.
• C. Morphogenesis and organogenesis in animals : Cell aggregation and differentiation in Dictyostelium; axes and pattern formation in Drosophila, amphibia and chick; organogenesis -vulva formation in Caenorhabditis elegans, eye lens induction, limb development and regeneration in vertebrates; differentiation of neurons, post embryonic development- larval formation, metamorphosis; environmental regulation of normal development.

16Zoology · Animal Physiology

• A. Blood and circulation : Blood corpuscles, haemopoiesis and formed elements, plasma function, blood volume, blood volume regulation, blood groups, haemoglobin, immunity, haemostasis.
• B. Cardiovascular System : Comparative anatomy of heart structure, myogenic heart, specialized tissue, ECG – its principle and significance, cardiac cycle, heart as a pump, blood pressure, neural and chemical regulation of all above.
• C. Respiratory system : Comparison of respiration in different species, anatomical considerations, transport of gases, exchange of gases, waste elimination, neural and chemical regulation of respiration.
• D. Nervous system : Neurons, action potential, neuroanatomy of the brain and spinal cord, central and peripheral nervous system, neural control of muscle tone and movements.
• E. Sense organs : Vision, hearing and tactile response.
• F. Excretory system : Comparative physiology of excretion, kidney, urine formation, urine concentration, waste elimination, micturition, regulation of water balance, blood volume, blood pressure, electrolyte balance, acid-base balance.
• G. Thermoregulation : Comfort zone, body temperature-physical, chemical, neural regulation, acclimatization.
• H. Digestive system : Digestion, absorption, energy balance, BMR.
• I. Endocrinology and reproduction : Endocrine glands, basic mechanism of hormone action, hormones and diseases; reproductive processes, neuroendocrine regulation, stress and strain.

17Zoology · Genetics and Inheritance Biology

• A. Mendelian principles : Dominance, segregation, independent assortment, deviation from Mendelian inheritance.
• B. Concept of gene : Allele, multiple alleles, pseudoallele, complementation tests.
• C. Extensions of Mendelian principles : Codominance, incomplete dominance, gene interactions, pleiotropy, genomic imprinting, penetrance and expressivity, phenocopy, linkage and crossing over, sex linkage, sex limited and sex influenced characters.
• D. Sex determination
• E. Population genetics.
• F. Gene mapping methods : Linkage maps, tetrad analysis, mapping with molecular markers, mapping by using somatic cell hybrids.
• G. Mutation : Types, causes and detection, mutant types-lethal, conditional, biochemical, loss of function, gain of function, germinal verses somatic mutants, insertional mutagenesis.
• H. Structural and numerical alterations of chromosomes : Deletion, duplication, inversion, translocation, ploidy and their genetic implications.
• I. Recombination : Homologous and non-homologous recombination, including transposition, site-specific.

18Zoology · Animal Systematic, Invertebrates and Vertebrates

• A. Principles & methods of taxonomy : Concepts of species and hierarchical taxa, biological nomenclature, classical & quantitative methods of taxonomy, animals.
• B. Levels of structural organization: Unicellular, colonial and multicellular forms; levels of organization of tissues, organs & systems.
• C. Classification of animals : Important criteria used for classification in each taxon; classification of animals; evolutionary relationships among taxa.
• D. Invertebrate : Type study of all important animals belong to different plylum of invertebrate. Larval forms in invertebrates, causitive organisms of infectious diseases.
• E. Vertebrate : Specific topics : Evolution of chordates, origin and evolution of lungfishes, tetrapodes, poisonous and non-poisonous snakes and biting mechanism, flight adaptation in birds, aquatic and terrestrial mammals.

19Zoology · Ecology

• A. The Environment : Physical environment; biotic environment; biotic and abiotic interactions.
• B. Habitat and Niche : Concept of habitat and niche; niche width and overlap; fundamental and realized niche; resource partitioning; character displacement.
• C. Population Ecology : Characteristics of a population; population growth curves; population regulation; life history strategies (r and K selection); concept of metapopulation- demes and dispersal, interdemic extinctions, age structured populations.
• D. Species Interactions : Types of interactions, interspecific competition, herbivory, carnivory, symbiosis.
• E. Community Ecology : Nature of communities; community structure and attributes; levels of species diversity and its measurement; edges and ecotones.
• F. Ecological Succession : Types; mechanisms; changes involved in succession; concept of climax.
• G. Ecosystems : Structure and functions; energy flow and mineral cycling (C,N,P); primary production and decomposition; structure and function of some Indian ecosystems: terrestrial (forest, grassland) and aquatic (fresh water, marine, eustarine).
• H. Zoogeography : Major terrestrial biomes; theory of island biogeography; zoogeographical zones of the world.
• I. Applied Ecology : Environmental pollution; global environmental change; biodiversity- status, monitoring and documentation; major drivers of biodiversity change; biodiversity management approaches.
• J. Conservation Biology : Principles of conservation, major approaches to management, Indian case studies on conservation/management strategy (Project Tiger, Biosphere reserves).
• K. Statistical Methods : Measures of central tendency and dispersal; probability distributions (Binomial, Poisson and normal); Sampling distribution; Difference between parametric and non-parametric statistics; Confidence Interval; Errors; Levels of significance; Regression and Correlation; t-test; Analysis of variance; X² test; Basic introduction to Muetrovariate statistics, etc.

20Zoology · Evolution and behaviour

• A. Emergence of evolutionary thoughts : Concepts of variation, adaptation, struggle and natural selection; Synthetic theory of evolution.
• B. Origin of cells and unicellular evolution : Origin of basic biological molecules; Abiotic synthesis of organic monomers and polymers; The first cell; Evolution of prokaryotes; Origin of eukaryotic cells; Evolution of unicellular eukaryotes.
• C. Evolutionary History : The evolutionary time scale; Eras, periods and epoch; Major events in the evolutionary time scale. Stages in primate evolution including Homo.
• D. The Mechanisms : Population genetics-Populations, Gene pool, Gene frequency; Hardy-Weinberg Law; concepts and rate of change in gene frequency through natural selection, migration and random genetic drift; Adaptive radiation and modifications; Isolating mechanisms; Speciation; Allopatricity and Sympatricity; Convergent evolution; Sexual selection; Co-evolution.
• E. Animal Behavior : Approaches and methods in study of behavior; Proximate and ultimate causation; Altruism and evolution-Group selection, Kin selection, Reciprocal altruism; Neural basis of learning, memory, cognition, sleep and arousal; Biological clocks; Development of behavior; Social communication; Social dominance; Use of space and territoriality; Mating systems, Parental care; Aggressive behavior; Habitat selection and optimality in foraging; Migration, orientation and navigation; Domestication and behavioral changes.

General Knowledge — common to every subject

1Current Affairs

• A. Major events & Current Affairs : National/International
• B. Personalities in News
• C. Sports News
• D. Current Research in the field of Science.

2Teaching and Research Aptitude

• A. Teaching : Nature, Objectives, Need, Methods Evaluation and Factor Affecting Teaching
• B. Research : Meaning and Methods
• C. Data : Source, Collection and Analysis
• D. Role of UGC in Qualitative Development in Higher Education.

3Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

• A. ICT : Meaning, Advantages and Disadvantages
• B. Basics of Internet & E-mailing
• C. General Abbreviation and Terminology.

4People and Environment

• A. People & Environment Interaction
• B. Environmental Depredation : cause & Solution
• C. National and International affairs for better Environment
• D. Environmental Control.

5Indian History and Geography

• A. Salient Features of Indian Culture
• B. Indian National Movement (1857-1950)
• C. Origin of Universe and Solar System
• D. Indian Geography (General).

6Indian Constitution and Economy

• A. Preamble, Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles
• B. Indian political system : Legislative Executive and Judiciary
• C. Election Commission and Public Service Commission
• D. Population, Poverty, Unemployment; Planning and Development; Income Tax
• E. Agriculture, Industry, Trade; Money, Currency, Banking and Capital Market.

Official UPESSC syllabi for Botany (Subject Code-71) and Zoology (Subject Code-72), upessc.up.gov.in/Home/Syllabus_all, verbatim. Includes the common General Knowledge paper.