Botany Lecture 1 Flashcards
What is phylogeny?
-Evolutionary history of organisms
-Shows relationships among species
What is a herbarium?
-A collection of preserved plant specimens
-Used for research in taxonomy and conservation
How are taxonomy and phylogeny related? Why is this important?
-Taxonomy classifies; phylogeny shows evolutionary history
-Phylogeny improves classification accuracy
-Helps in conservation and understanding biodiversity
What are type specimens? Why are they important?
-Reference specimens for species descriptions
-Provide a standard for identifying species
Taxonomic ranks (from broadest to most specific)?
Domain → Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species
Taxonomic ranks (from most specific to broadest)?
Species → Genus → Family → Order → Class → Phylum → Kingdom → Domain
Why is systematics important? (3 reasons)
-Identifies and classifies biodiversity
-It helps understand evolutionary relationships
-Aids in conservation and ecological research
What is the main difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?
Prokaryotes: No nucleus, DNA is free-floating (nucleoid)
Eukaryotes: Have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
What are two properties that define all living things/cells?
Metabolism – Ability to obtain and use energy
Reproduction – Ability to grow and divide
What components do all cells (prokaryotic & eukaryotic) have?
Cell membrane – Controls entry/exit of substances
Cytoplasm – Jelly-like fluid where cellular processes occur
DNA – Genetic material for instructions
Ribosomes – Make proteins
What is one feature that most prokaryotic cells (like bacteria) have that eukaryotic cells do not?
Cell wall – Provides structure and protection (not all eukaryotic cells have one) ______ FIX
What features do all eukaryotic cells have in common?
Nucleus – Contains genetic material (DNA)
Membrane-bound organelles (e.g., mitochondria, Golgi apparatus)
Cytoplasm – Fluid where organelles are suspended
Plasma membrane – Regulates what enters/exits the cell
Why is the cell membrane important? (2-3 reasons)
Controls what enters/exits – Maintains internal balance (homeostasis)
Provides protection – Barrier against harmful substances
Facilitates communication – Contains receptors for signals
What are the functions of mitochondria, chloroplasts, and amyloplasts? What do they have in common?
Mitochondria – Powerhouse of the cell, produces ATP
Chloroplasts – Site of photosynthesis, makes energy from sunlight
Amyloplasts – Store starch in plant cells
Common feature: All involved in energy storage or production
What are the three main types of photosynthetic pigments?
Chlorophylls – Green pigments, primary for photosynthesis
Carotenoids – Orange/yellow pigments, protect against light damage
Phycobilins – Found in algae, absorb different light wavelengths
What are the two main types of storage carbohydrates? Which one is specific to plants?
Starch – Found in plants (main plant storage carb)
Glycogen – Found in animals & fungi
Storage carbs vs. usable carbs: Storable ones are insoluble and compact, preventing quick breakdown
What are the three main roles of the plant cell vacuole? Example for each?
What is turgidity, and why is it important for plants?
Turgidity: The pressure from water inside the vacuole pressing against the cell wall
Importance: Keeps plants upright and firm, prevents wilting
What are the two types of cytoskeleton elements and their functions?
Microtubules – Help with cell shape, transport, and cell division
Microfilaments – Support movement and structure within the cell
