Lab #10: Intro to Maize Flashcards
What is the scientific name for maize?
Zea Mays
What is the phylum of maize?
Mangiophylota
–> AKA “ANGIOSPERMS”
What is the CLASS of maize?
Monocotyledon
–> They are monocots
What are the key features of monocots? (6)
1) Seeds with ONE cotyledon (embryonic leaf)
2) Flowers have 3 floral parts or multiples of 3
3) Veins are arranged parallel in leaves
4) Vascular bundles are found scattered throughout the stem
5) Fibrous roots
6) Have pollen
What is the main ancestor of maize?
Teosinte (A grass plant)
How many chromosome PAIRS (2n) does maize have?
TEN
How big is the maize genome (In terms of # genes and computer storage of genome)
2.4 GB
–> 42,000-56,000 genes
Is small or large leaf angle favorable for maize growth?
WHY?
SMALL leaf angle!
The smaller the leaf angle, the less each plant’s leaves shade those of another plant’s = we can pack the plants closer together (more yield per area) sunlight can be better intercepted by each plant with a narrow upright structure
Does maize grow better in high or low densities
HIGH densities!
More plants in a smaller space maximize the use of sunlight and resources like water and nutrients, resulting in greater biomass production
What is the ligule?
A small, thin, membrane-like outgrowth located at the junction where the leaf blade meets the leaf sheath
–> An outgrowth of the SHEATH! (coming from stem)
What is an auricle (plants)?
A small, claw-like appendage at the base of the leaf blade that often clasps around the stem
What is the blade?
The flat, expanded part of a leaf, essentially the main surface area of the leaf
–> Area where most photosynthesis occurs
What is the sheath?
Projection of a leaf that wraps around the STEM
What is the midrib?
The central vein or ridge of a leaf
What is the margin (of maize)?
The edge of the leaf blade, essentially the outer perimeter of the leaf