3.4 Flashcards
Why do structures have large surfaces compared to their volume?
Structures that function in absorption evolve to
have large surfaces
What structures evolve to have small surfaces compared to their volume?
Structures that function in storage
Structures with large surfaces relative to volume have __ of their cells exposed to the
environment and __ interior cells to which they
must __ materials.
more, fewer, transport
Large volumes compared to surface area is more efficient to store ___ and limits ___ to
the environment.
materials, exposure
What creates a large surface area for roots?
The extensive branching and the presence of root hairs
What is the roots outer cell layer?
Epidermis
Does root epidermis have a cuticle?
no
What do epidermal cells of the root produce?
Slender outgrowths known as root hairs
What is inside the epidermis?
Cortex
Where are xylem and phloem located?
in the center of the root, called the stele
What is the stele surrounded by?
Endodermis
What is the endodermis?
A layer of cells that controls the movement of nutrients into the xylem
How do water and minerals reach the xylem at the center of the root? How do they do this?
They move from soil through the root epidermis, cortex, and endodermis. They do this using diffusion, osmosis, and active transport
How do root epidermis cells pump ions into the root?
Active transport
What results when ions are pumped into the root?
It is now hypertonic and has a strong osmotic pull
What three ways can water and minerals move through the root cortex?
Symplast, transmembrane, and apoplast route
What happens during the symplast route?
Water and minerals move across the cell membrane of the root epidermis and move from cell to cell by interconnected cytoplasm.
What happens during the transmembrane route?
Water and minerals move across the cell membrane of the root epidermis and move from cells to cell across the cell membranes of the cortex cells
What happens during the apoplast route?
Water and minerals move between the root epidermis cells and around the cells through the extracellular spaces in cells walls
Can water and minerals move between the endodermis cells?
No, they must go throught the endodermis cells
How does water from the apoplast route reach the xylem?
It must pass through the cell membrane of an endodermis cell
What do endodermis cells do?
Regulate the passage of water and mineral ions
What does branching of root systems do?
Provide a large surface area for absorption
What do root hairs do?
Increase surface area even more
What does mutualisms with mycorrhizal fungi do?
Increase both water and mineral absorption
What does thick cortex act like?
A sponge to hold water
How do roots adapt to growth?
They are plastic and can grow differently depending on the environment
What do stems do?
Elevate and support flowers and leaves at different heights and serve as conduits between roots and leaves
How are stems similar to roots?
They are plastic and can grow differently under environmental conditions
What is stem epidermis covered by?
Waterproof cuticles or bark
Where is vascular tissue in stems?
Numerous bundles or layers
What do xylem and other lignified cells function as?
Rigid support
When did leaves evolve?
After roots and stems
What are leaves specialized for?
photosynthesis
What are megaphylls?
True leaves; thin photosynthetic tissue
How did early vascular plants photosynthesize?
Simple branching stems, it took place along the length of the shoot
What is the trade off for leaves?
It increases surface area for greater absorption of light and CO2, but it also means a greater surface area for water loss