4C1 Characteristics of Plants Flashcards
Identify plant structures involved in water and nutrient movement. Differentiate between vascular and nonvascular plants, angiosperms, and gymnosperms.
1
Q
What defines a plant?
A
Organisms that are photosynthetic, eukaryotic, and have cell walls.
2
Q
What are the two broad classifications of plants?
A
- Vascular plants
- Nonvascular plants
Vascular plants contain xylem and phloem, while nonvascular plants do not.
3
Q
What are examples of vascular plants?
A
- Trees
- Grasses
- Shrubs
4
Q
What are the two types of vascular tissue found in plant stems of vascular plants?
A
- Xylem
- Phloem
Xylem transports water and minerals, while phloem transports food.
5
Q
What is the main function of xylem in plant stems?
A
Transporting water and dissolved minerals.
Xylem helps in the support of the stem and moves fluids from roots to leaves. It can be used to determine the age of dicot plants.
6
Q
What is the primary function of phloem in plant stems?
A
Transporting food.
Phloem is made of living cells and moves nutrients from leaves down through the stem.
7
Q
In plant cells, what is a cell wall composed of?
A
Cellulose
8
Q
What are the three main groups of nonvascular plants?
A
- Mosses
- Liverworts
- Hornworts
9
Q
What are rhizoids in nonvascular plants?
A
Little hairs that help anchor the plant.
10
Q
What is the classification of a gymnosperm based on?
A
A plant that comes about from a seed but does not produce flowers.
Examples include:
- Conifers
- Ginkgoes
- Pine trees
11
Q
What are angiosperms?
A
Plants with flowers.
Examples: roses, apple trees, and magnolias.
12
Q
What are some characteristics of angiosperms?
A
- All have flowers that act as reproductive organs.
- Angiosperm flowers usually have multiple stamen, which are the male reproductive parts.
- Most angiosperm flowers also have large, bright petals to attract pollinators.
13
Q
What is a cotyledon?
A
The first leaf to grow on a new plant found in the seed.
14
Q
What are the two main parts of all vascular plants, including angiosperms?
A
- Root system — the parts of the plant that lie under the soil.
- Shoot system — all parts of the plant above the soil.
15
Q
What are the functions of the root system in angiosperms?
A
- Anchor the plant.
- Absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
- Transport water and nutrients to the rest of the plant (via the vascular system).
16
Q
What are the functions of the shoot system in angiosperms?
A
- Stems & Branches: Give height and breadth to the plant to ensure its leaves are exposed to as much sunlight as possible.
- Leaves: Conduct photosynthesis, making food for the rest of the plant.
- Flowers: Reproduction.
17
Q
What is the female part of the flower in angiosperms?
A
Pistil
It is where the pollen will land to pollinate the flower.
18
Q
What do the ovules in angiosperms develop into?
A
The seeds of the angiosperm.
19
Q
What is the purpose of the endosperm in angiosperm seeds?
A
It provides energy for the growing seedling while it emerges from the seed and grows out of the soil.
20
Q
What are the two main groups that angiosperms are divided into?
A
- Monocots
- Dicots
Monocots — Parallel veins and flowers with multiples of three petals (3, 6, 9, etc).
Dicots — Branched veins and flowers with multiples of 4 petals or 5 petals (4, 5, 8, 10, etc).
21
Q
What are the main parts of a flower in angiosperms?
A
- Petal - Attract pollinators
- Stamen - Make pollen
- Pollen - Male gamete; spread genetic information
- Pistil - Receive pollen
- Ovules - Female gamete; develops into seeds
- Ovary - Contain and protect the ovules; develops into fruit or seed pod
- Sepals - Protect the ovary
- Endosperm - Feed the developing seedling
22
Q
What is the largest group of gymnosperms?
A
Conifers
The largest group of gymnosperms is the conifers, which include pine, yew, cedars, redwood, and spruce.
23
Q
What are some characteristics of gymnosperms?
A
- Bear naked seeds that are not enclosed in an ovary.
- Have cones responsible for spore and sporangia development.
- Have no ovary and do not bear fruits.
- Have no companion cells in their phloem.
- Have no vessels in their xylem but only have tracheids.
- Were the most abundant plants during the Mesozoic period.
24
Q
Describe the lifecycle of gymnosperms in terms of haploid and diploid states.
A
- The diploid state is exhibited by the plant body, sporophyte.
- The haploid state, is exhibited by the gametophyte.
25
What are the **two types of cones** found in gymnosperms?
* Female cones- produce megaspore (embryo sac)
* Male cones- produce microspore (pollen)
26
What is the function of the **pollen tube** in gymnosperms?
It develops to penetrate the female gametophyte tissues, creating a pathway for sperm to fuse with the egg.
27
What is formed after **fusion/fertilization** in gymnosperms?
Zygote
## Footnote
A zygote is formed, which develops into an embryo enclosed with stored nutrients, forming a seed.
28
What is the **main characteristic of conifers** in terms of their *leaves*?
Needle-like leaves which are evergreen.
29
What is the main characteristic of conifers in terms of their **trunk**?
Mostly woody trees with one central trunk.
30
What **kingdom** do gymnosperms fall under?
Plantae
31
What is the **primary function** of the plant stem?
Providing support for other structures.
## Footnote
Supports structures like leaves and flowers.
32
What is the tissue of the stem capable of cell division called?
Meristem
## Footnote
Meristem is where stem growth occurs.
33
What is the purpose of the **epidermis** on the stem?
Protecting inner structures from outside elements.
## Footnote
Contains wax-coated cells for protection.
34
What are the three types of ground tissue in plant stems?
* Parenchyma
* Collenchyma
* Sclerenchyma
## Footnote
Parenchyma stores food and water.
Collenchyma supports young stems and roots.
Sclerenchyma provides rigid support.
35
What does the term '**monocot**' stand for?
Monocotyledon, meaning one seed leaf.
36
What does the term '**dicot**' stand for?
Dicotyledon, meaning two seed leaves.
37
How is the vascular tissue **arranged in monocots**?
In paired bundles of both xylem and phloem, dispersed throughout the stem.
38
How is the vascular tissue **arranged in dicots**?
In rings, with xylem on the interior and phloem on the exterior.
39
What is the function of **parenchyma tissue**?
Stores water and food.
40
What is the function of **collenchyma tissue**?
Helps support young stems and roots.
41
What is the function of **sclerenchyma tissue**?
Provides support and protection for the stem.
42
What is **dermal tissue** in plants?
The plant epidermis, the outer layer of tissue that surrounds the primary body of vascular plants.
43
What are some **functions** of plant dermal tissue?
* Protects the plant from invasion by viruses, fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
* Regulates gas exchange.
* Prevents water loss.
* Aids in the absorption of water, ions, and minerals.
44
What are the **specialized components** of plant dermal tissue?
* Cuticle
* Guard cells
* Stomata
* Trichomes
* Root hairs
45
What is the function of the **cuticle** in dermal tissue?
The waterproof outer layer of a plant that prevents transpiration through the outer layer.
46
What are **stomata** and their function in dermal tissue?
Pores in the epidermis that allow the controlled movement of water vapor, oxygen, and carbon dioxide in and out of the plant, and they help regulate temperature through transpiration.
47
How do **guard cells** regulate stomata?
Guard cells are paired chloroplast-containing cells that can become turgid or flaccid through osmosis, controlling the opening and closing of stomata to regulate transpiration and water release.
48
What are **trichomes** and their functions in plants?
* Unicellular or multicellular extensions from the epidermis that vary in size, density, and function.
* Protect plants from heat, herbivores, and moisture loss.
* Insulate plants from frost and reduce evaporation due to wind.
49
What is the function of **root hairs** in plants?
Single-celled hair-like extensions found on the root epidermis that increase surface area for absorption of water, ions, and minerals.
50
What are **nodes** on a plant stem?
Locations where leaves are located.
51
What are **internodes**?
Spaces between nodes on a plant stem.
52
What are the **three main types of buds** found on plant stems?
* Terminal buds
* Lateral buds
* Accessory buds
53
Where is the **apical meristem** located?
At the tip of the stem.
54
What type of **growth occurs** at the apical meristem?
Primary growth, increasing the length of the stem.
55
What are the **three types of tissue** produced by the apical meristem?
* Protoderm
* Ground meristem
* Procambium
56
What is **secondary growth**?
Growth at the lateral meristem that increases the girth of the stem.
## Footnote
Typically utilized by dicots such as apple trees.
57
Where does **primary growth** occur?
At the apical meristem, increasing stem length.
58
Why is secondary growth not found in monocots?
Due to the different organization of vascular tissue in monocots compared to dicots.
59
What happens to the size of the ring of vascular tissue in a tree based on growing conditions?
The ring will be larger in good growth seasons with plenty of water and nutrients, and smaller in poor growing seasons with limited resources.
60
What information can scientists learn from the size of the rings in a tree?
Past climate patterns in an area.
61
What is the **outer covering of a tree** known as?
Bark
62
What are the two types of growth in the stem?
1. Primary
2. Secondary
## Footnote
Primary growth occurs at the apical meristem, increasing stem length.
Secondary growth occurs at the lateral meristems, increasing the girth of the stem.
63
Why is secondary growth needed by dicot plants like apple trees?
Due to the structure of the vascular tissue in the stem.
## Footnote
Secondary growth allows for the growth of new xylem and phloem from vascular cambium, enabling the plant to increase in size by facilitating the movement of water and nutrients throughout the plant.
64
What are the different **layers of a leaf**?
* Cuticle layer
* Upper epidermis
* Palisade layer
* Spongy layer
* Lower epidermis
* Stomata
65
Describe the **upper epidermis** of a leaf.
Consists of a thin layer of cells that allow sunlight to pass through and initiate photosynthesis in underlying cells.
66
What is the primary function of the **palisade layer**?
To conduct photosynthesis and convert carbon dioxide into cellular energy.
67
Explain the **function of the spongy layer** in a leaf.
* To facilitate the diffusion of nutrients and gases through the stomata.
* Store products of photosynthesis.
* Contain vascular bundles for transporting nutrients throughout the plant.
68
What do the **palisade and spongy layers** collectively form in a leaf?
Mesophyll
69
What **triggers** stomata to open or close?
* Changes in light
* Hydration
* Temperature
70
What function do **roots** serve for plants?
Storage of food and intake of water.
71
What is the purpose of **root cap**?
Protect other root tissues as the root grows into the soil.
## Footnote
The root cap also senses gravity and secretes a slimy substance to help roots move through the soil.
72
What is the **primary root tissue** responsible for?
Storing food.
## Footnote
The primary root tissue, also known as the cortex, stores the products of photosynthesis and often makes up the bulk of the root.
73
What is the **function of the cortex** in roots?
Food storage.
74
What are the roles of the epidermis and cortex in roots?
* **Epidermis**: Provides an outer layer of protection.
* **Cortex**: Stores products of photosynthesis.
75
What is the main function of the **vascular bundle** in roots?
Transport water and food within the root and to the rest of the plant.
76
What is the main function of the root system?
It grows below ground, anchors the plant, and absorbs water and minerals needed for survival.
77
What are the **two types of root systems** identified by researchers?
* Taproot systems
* Fibrous root systems
78
What is the main characteristic of **taproot systems**?
They have a main root that grows vertically and secondary roots that develop as outgrowths.
79
What is the main characteristic of **fibrous root systems**?
They are shallow in depth and consist of roots that are similar in size.
80
What is the main function of the **root meristem**?
It produces columella cells that replace damaged cells of the root cap.
81
What region of the **root consists of apical meristem cells** contributing to overall growth?
Meristematic region
82
Which region of the root is responsible for **increased length and growth of plant roots**?
Region of elongation
83
Where are the **first root hairs** located in the root system?
Region of maturation
84
What **structures** are part of the root system?
* Root cap
* Primary root
* Root meristem
* Meristematic region
* Region of elongation
* Maturation region
* Lateral roots
85
What **grows horizontally from the pericycle** and facilitates water and nutrient transport?
Lateral roots
86
What is the **innermost layer of the cortex** of the mature root called?
Endodermis
## Footnote
Contains fatty substances in roots and blocks water movement between the cortex and inner layers
87
What are **flowers** modified from?
Leaves
## Footnote
Flowers are modified leaves attached to the stem of a plant.
88
What is the **scientific study of plants** called?
Botany
## Footnote
Botanists study the structures and functions of plants, their evolutionary relationships, and more.
89
What is the term for flowers that **have all four whorls present**?
**complete** flowers
90
What are the **four whorls** or layers of a flower?
* Calyx
* Corolla
* Androecium
* Gynoecium
91
What is the **outermost whorl** of a flower called?
Calyx
## Footnote
The calyx consists of sepals and protects the flower bud.
92
Which whorl of a flower *attracts pollinators*?
Corolla
## Footnote
The corolla consists of the flower petals and attracts pollinators.
93
What is the **male whorl** of a flower called?
Androecium
## Footnote
The androecium consists of stamens that produce pollen.
94
What is the **innermost whorl** of a flower that includes female structures?
Gynoecium
## Footnote
Also known as the pistil.
The gynoecium consists of carpels that produce the ovules.
95
What is the term for flowers **missing one or more whorls**?
**incomplete** flowers
96
What is the process called when pollen is transferred onto the stigma and moves toward the ovule?
Pollination
## Footnote
Successful pollination results in offspring.
97
What is the term for pollination by the **wind, insects, birds, bats, or water**?
Cross-pollination
98
What is the term for pollination when **pollen from a flower pollinates a flower on the same plant**?
Self-pollination
99
What are the components of the **carpel** in a flower?
* Stigma
* Style
* Ovary
100
What is the **function of the stigma** in a flower carpel?
The stigma is sticky to **retain pollen grains.**
101
What is the **function of the style** in a flower carpel?
It's a tube that **transports pollen grains to the ovary**.
102
What is the function of the **ovary** in a flower carpel?
It contains **ovules**, the female sex cells.
103
What happens when the **pollen reaches the ovary** in a flower?
A **seed forms** when the pollen combines with an ovule.
104
What are the components of a **stamen** in a flower?
* Anther
* Filament
105
What does the **anther** of a stamen produce?
Pollen, the male sex cell.
