Ch 1 vocab (Raven) COPY Flashcards
stromatolites
fossilized microbial mats consisting of layers of filamentous and other microorganisms and trapped sediment.
evolve
change over time
heterotroph
an organism dependent on an outside source of organic molecules for its energy.
autotrophs
an organism that can feed itself.
biosphere
the living world and its environment
respiration
molecules are broken down by oxygen-utilizing process
aerobic
with oxygen
anaerobic
without oxygen
prokaryotic
simple cells that lack a nuclear envelope and do not have their genetic material organized into complex chromosomes.
eukaryotic
cells with nuclear envelopes, complex chromosomes, and organelles, surrounded by membranes.
roots
anchor the plant in the ground and collect the water required for maintenance of the plant body and for photosynthesis.
stems
provide support for the principal photosynthetic organs (leaves.)
epidermis
the outermost layer of cells
cuticle
covers epidermis of plants; retards water loss
stomata
structure in plants; pair of specialized epidermal cells (guard cells) w an opening between them that can close or open in response to environmental and physiological signals, helping the plant maintain a balance between water loss and its oxygen and carbon dioxide requirements.
annuals
plants with a life span of one year
perennials
longer lived plants
cork
retards water loss; appears in the stem of perennials
vascular system
conducting system; conducts a variety of substances between the photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic parts of the pant body. Two major parts: xylem and phloem.
xylem
part of the vascular system of plants that allows water to pass upward through the plant body
phloem
part of the vascular system of plants through which food manufactured in the leaves and other photosynthetic parts of the pant is transported throughout the plant body.
vascular plants
main group of plants
meristems
where plant growth originates; embryonic tissue regions capable of adding cells indefinitely to the plant body.
apical meristems
meristems located at the tips of all roots and shoots; involved with the extension of the plant body.