Lab 7: Leaves, Flowers, and Fruits

Question 1

For the following cell/tissue, explain their structure and function: epidermis

Answer 1

• cells form a single layer and are tightly packed into the upper and lower surface of the leaf; they’re living; have thin cell walls
• function: secretes a waxy cuticle and protects plant from environment

Question 2

For the following cell/tissue, explain their structure and function: guard cells

Answer 2

• living; exists in pairs; bean shaped when swollen

- function: surround stomata and regulate transpiration by opening and closing

Question 3

For the following cell/tissue, explain their structure and function: xylem vessels

Answer 3

• dead; long tubes; tough; composed of fibers and parenchymal cells
• function: transports water and dissolved nutrients from root to shoot

Question 4

For the following cell/tissue, explain their structure and function: sieve tube elements of phloem

Answer 4

• living; porous; composed of parenchyma

- function: transports carbs, amino acids, etc from source to the sink

Question 5

For the following cell/tissue, explain their structure and function: spongy mesophyll

Answer 5

• living; located under epidermis; large

- function: gas exchange site for photosynthesis and respiration (creates air spaces to facilitate gas exchange)

Question 6

For the following cell/tissue, explain their structure and function: sclerenchyma fibers

Answer 6

• dead; rigid; extremely durable
• function: protects plants from harsh conditions/ predators
• example: forms the outer layer of shells and nuts

Question 7

What is the role of the stomata

Answer 7

• close in the dark to protect against unnecessary water loss from gas exchange to environment
• open in the presence of light for photosynthesis

Question 8

give the function for the following flower structure: petal

Answer 8

surrounds reproductive organ

Question 9

give the function for the following flower structure: anther

Answer 9

contains pollen (the male reproductive cell)

Question 10

give the function for the following flower structure: filament

Answer 10

supports anther; holds it up

Question 11

give the function for the following flower structure: sepal

Answer 11

protects buds and supports petals in bloom

Question 12

give the function for the following flower structure: stigma

Answer 12

receives pollen

Question 13

give the function for the following flower structure: style

Answer 13

supports stigma and connects it to ovaries

Question 14

give the function for the following flower structure: ovary

Answer 14

female reproductive organ

Question 15

give the function for the following flower structure: ovule

Answer 15

becomes seed after fertilisation (female sex organ)

Question 16

pistil vs stamen

Answer 16

female vs male

Question 17

give the function for the following flower structure: stamen

Answer 17

produces polen. two parts. anther and filament

Question 18

which parts of the flower are still present in a mature fruit? and in what form

Answer 18

• ovules: become seed
• petals and stamen: become the edible part of the apple
• stamen/style: bottom part of apple that is often cut off before apple is consumed

Question 19

list the 3 functions of plant leaves

Answer 19

• capture light and CO2 for photosynthesis
• close stomata to prevent excessive water loss
• thick leaves store water (succulents)
• tendrils allow plants to climb

Question 20

flower function

Answer 20

where pollination takes place; after pollination seeds form

Question 21

fruit function

Answer 21

protect seeds and help them spread far apart by being inviting to predators. predators eat them and transport the seeds far from the parent plant

Question 22

superior vs inferior ovary

Answer 22

superior: ovary above the origin of the sepals
inferior: ovary below the origin of the sepals

Question 23

fleshy vs dry fruit

Answer 23

• fleshy: have fleshy tissue that is inviting to prey; this plant type is adapted to animal assisted seed dispersal (by animal consumption)
• dry fruit: plant type adapted to dispersal by wind, or getting attached to animals fur/ feathers

Question 24

dispersal strategy: water dispersal

Answer 24

• durable exterior allowing the fruit to travel far
• husk with loose fibrous covering gives the nut buoyancy to travel by trapping air in fibres
• coconuts
• lotus

Question 25

dispersal strategy: explosive dispersal

Answer 25

• dry up, split open, and discharge seeds at a distance away from plant
• lupine, witch hazel, chillies, poppies

Question 26

dispersal strategy: wind

Answer 26

• parachute appendage close to seed
• seed can detatch easily and are located at the top of the plant, increasing the chances of being caught by wind
• dandelion

Question 27

dispersal strategy: animal (ingested)

Answer 27

• adapted to appeal more to certain animals (hard exterior, spice, sweetness)

Question 28

dispersal strategy: animal (fur)

Answer 28

• spiky protrusions to attach more easily to hair so it can travel far

Question 29

hydrophyte

Answer 29

• aquatic plant
• big leaves that float on top of water to absorb as much sunlight as possible
• thorns under pads to protect against predators
• don’t need complicated root and stem systems since theyre surrounded by water

Question 30

xerophyte

Answer 30

• a plant which needs very little water
• thick, waxy skin to reduce loss of water and to reflect heat
• large, fleshy stems to store water.
• thorns and thin, spiky or glossy leaves to reduce water loss.
• spikes protect cacti from animals wishing to use stored water
• cactus stems store water