Chapter 2: Growth, Form and Function

Question 1

What is meristematic tissue?

Answer 1

Meristematic tissue is the only plant tissue that produces NEW cells by mitosis, rapidly growing to increase plant size, Apical meristem

Question 2

What are the 3 stages of cell growth?

Answer 2

1. Cell division (mitosis)
2. Cell enlargement
3. Cell Differentiation

Question 3

Where do you find meristematic tissue

Answer 3

Usually in elongated bodies like the stem and root tips

Question 4

What is parenchyma tissue?

Answer 4

Parenchyma tissue is the most prolific, sometimes considered 'padding'. Servers many functions that can include:
 • Water storage
 • Aeration 
 • Food storage
 • Absorption 
 • Protection

Question 5

What is collenchyma tissue?

Answer 5

Collenchyma tissue provides the plant with support. The cells have thicker walls that contain cellulose.

Question 6

What is sclerenchyma tissue?

Answer 6

Cells have much thicker walls and contain lignin.
Tissue matures only after growth is complete, then dies.
The woody walls of the cells remain, giving the plant support.
There are 2 forms of sclerenchyma tissue:
1. Fibres: long cells, often in bundles, that form wood.
2. Sclereids: round cells found in fruit like pears (gritty texture)

Question 7

What are therophytes?

Answer 7

Annuals: they grow, flower, set seed, and die within one growing season.

Question 8

What is the botanical name for biennials?

Answer 8

monocarpic: they complete their growth cycle in 2 years.

Question 9

What are cryptophytes?

Answer 9

Any plan that grows from an underground structure. That includes bulbs, corms, and tubers.
• Geophytes: grow in dry soil
• Helophytes: grow in marshy soil
• Hydrophytes: grow in water

Question 10

What is an epiphyte?

Answer 10

a plant that grows on another plant, without drawing nutrients from the host plant.

Question 11

Describe a bulb

Answer 11

A type of bud that grows beneath the soil, with a short thick stem and tightly packed scales. An onion is a good example.

Question 12

What is a corm?

Answer 12

A corm is a swollen underground stem that doesn’t have scales. Crocuses are corms.

Question 13

Describe a tuber

Answer 13

A tuber is a storage organ, distinct from the rest of the plant, that grows underground. They can be separated from the main plant and regrown. Dahlias and potatoes are both tubers.

Question 14

What is a rhizome?

Answer 14

Rhizomes are fleshy roots that are found on the surface, or just underground.

Question 15

Bud morphology classifications

Answer 15

Terminal
Axillary
Adventitious

Question 16

Bud classification by status

Answer 16

Accessory
Pseudoterminal
Dormant

Question 17

Bud classification by function

Answer 17

Vegetative
Reproductive
Mixed bud

Question 18

Where do you tend to find plants with scaly buds?

Answer 18

Cooler climates, modified leaves tightly enclose the bug to protect it. Scaly buds are often covered in a sticky gum for further protection.

Question 19

What is apical dominance?

Answer 19

The apical bud of many species produces growth hormones that gives it some control over the lateral buds lower down.

A good example is the pyramidal shape of a christmas tree.

Removing the apical bug can promote bushier growth.

Question 20

What are epicormic buds?

Answer 20

They are adventitious buds that lay dormant under the bark of some woody species.

These are usually triggered by hard pruning or when propagating by cuttings.

Question 21

Who was Robert Fortune

Answer 21

Introduced tea plants to India

Question 22

What are contractile roots?

Answer 22

They are roots found on bulbs and corms, that pull the them deeper into the soil. They work be expanding and contracting.

Question 23

What are haustorial roots?

Answer 23

These are produced by parasitic plants. They penetrate the tissues of the host plant to take water and nutrients.

Question 24

Where would you expect to see knee roots?

Answer 24

In swampy conditions. They grow upwards, and have breathing pores for the exchange of gases. This allows the plant to survive underwater.

Question 25

What are the main functions of plant stems?

Answer 25

1. Support and elevation of the leaves, flower, and fruit.
2. Transport of fluids around the plant via vascular system.
3. Storage of nutrients.
4. Production of new tissue from buds and shoots.

Question 26

Richard Spruce

Answer 26

19thC explorer of the Amazon.

Question 27

Describe a bulb

Answer 27

A very short stem with a growing point, enclosed by thick fleshy modified leaves called scale leaves. Examples include daffodils, onions, and lilies.

Question 28

Describe a corm

Answer 28

A corm is a swollen underground base of a solid stem, which is surrounded by protective scale leaves. The plants energy is stored in the stem, not the scales as in a bulb.

Question 29

Describe a tuber

Answer 29

A tuber is a swollen underground end of a stem. The have eyes (a cluster of buds and a leaf scar). Plants with tubers include potatoes, begonias, and cyclamen. Note that some plants, like dahlias, are root tubers.

Question 30

What is the difference between a rhizome and a stolon?

Answer 30

Rhisomes and stolons are both stems that grow on or just below the surface of the soil. Rhizomes are the main stem of the plant, while stolons arise from the main stem and new plants are produced at the ends.