Module 2: Plant Nutrition, Gas Exchange and Transport Flashcards
What is the word equation for photosynthesis?
carbon dioxide + water -> oxygen + glucose
Why is gas exchange vital for the survival of plants?
Plants need to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between their cells and the environment to allow photosynthesis and respiration to occur.
What is the waxy cuticle of a leaf?
The thin, protective outer layer consisting of a lipid produced by plant cells.
What is the upper epidermis?
A tissue layer on the upper side of a leaf. It provides structural support and allows light to pass through.
What is the palisade mesophyll?
The primary site of photosynthesis.
What is the spongy mesophyll?
Cells surrounded by air space to allow gases to diffuse through to the palisade mesophyll. The secondary site of photosynthesis.
What is the lower epidermis?
A tissue layer on the lower side of a leaf. Aids structural support.
What is the stoma? (Plural stomata)
Small holes in the leaf that allow gases to enter and exit. Allow the loss of water vapour.
What are guard cells?
Open and close to stomata in response to environmental conditions. There are two found at each stoma.
What is the role of a leaf?
A type of plant organ resposible for photosynthesis and gas exchange.
What is the widest surface or blade of a leaf?
Lamina
What is the petiole?
The structure connecting the leaf to the stem of the plant.
What is the midrib?
Central vein of the leaf.
What is the role of veins in a leaf?
Provide transport within the leaves and plant.
What is the margin of a leaf?
The outer edge of the leaf.
Why might stomata from plants of different environment be different?
They may have diffeent water availability, and as a result have altered the number of stomata present on their leaves.
What happens when the stomata is open?
Gases are able to enter the plant, however, water can be lost.
What happens when the stomata is closed?
No gas is able to enter the plant.
What is the main purpose of nitrates in plants?
Making amino acids thst are needed to build proteins. Also used as a building block for chlorophyll.
What is the main purpose of magnesium in plants?
It is used to make chlorophyll.
What is the main purpose of phosphorus in plants?
Its used in energy transfer using ATP. It also aids maturation and growth of the plant.
What is the main purpose of potassium in plants?
To catalyse many different reactions, including photosynthesis. It also is used inside guard cells to control the opening and closing of stomata.
What is the main purpose of calcium in plants?
To strengthen cell walls.
What are two ways that plants gain nutrition?
Via photosynthesis and absorption from the soil.