Plant Adaptations Flashcards
What is the definition of adaptation?
Traits of a particular species, resulting from natural selection, that allow survival in particular environments
Adaptations include anatomical and physiological traits that help organisms manage physical challenges.
What do inherited characteristics allow in a given setting?
Survival and reproduction
Adaptations are crucial for organisms to thrive in their environments.
Can changes occur within a single individual or generation?
Yes
Adaptations can manifest as changes within a single individual or across generations.
What unique traits do photoautotrophs have?
- Use of CO2
- Use of sunlight
Photoautotrophs are organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis.
What is Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR)?
400-700 nm on the electromagnetic spectrum
PAR is the range of light wavelengths that plants use for photosynthesis.
What is the interaction between temperature and moisture represented by?
Greek letter psi = water potential
Water potential is a key factor in plant adaptation to their environment.
What is the primary function of the C3 or Calvin Cycle?
Incorporate CO2 during light-independent reactions to creat useable energy
Takes place in mesophyll cell chloroplasts.
What are the products of the light reactions in the C3 cycle?
- ATP
- NADPH
These products are energy-carrying molecules that power the Calvin cycle, which is the second stage of photosynthesis
What is the role of Ribulose biphosphate (RuBP) in the C3 cycle?
It combines with Rubisco
RuBP is a key molecule in the carbon fixation process.
What is produced during the C3 cycle?
3-carbon phosphoglycerate (3-PGA)
3-PGA is an intermediate in the Calvin Cycle.
What characterizes the C4 Cycle?
- Modified form of photosynthesis
- Increased water-use efficiency
The C4 cycle involves mesophyll and bundle sheath cells.
What is a unique step in the C4 Cycle?
Extra step with PEP (phosphoenolpyruvate)
PEP plays a crucial role in the initial fixation of CO2.
What acids are formed in the C4 Cycle?
- 4-C malic acid
- 4-C aspartic acid
These acids are key intermediates in the C4 photosynthetic pathway.
What is the main feature of the CAM Cycle?
Temporally spaced processes in mesophyll cells
The CAM cycle is particularly adapted for desert plants.
What type of plants primarily utilize the CAM Cycle?
Desert plants, mostly succulents
CAM plants open their stomata at night to minimize water loss.
What is a characteristic of stomata in CAM plants?
Small and sparse, open at night
This adaptation helps reduce water loss in arid environments.
What is the growth rate of CAM plants?
Low rate of photosynthesis, slow-growing
This is a trade-off for water conservation.
What is the predicted benefit of increased atmospheric CO2 for C3 plants?
Improved growth
C3 plants may benefit from higher levels of CO2 in their environment.
What does phenotypic plasticity in plants allow?
- Rapid growth under ideal conditions
- Survival and reproduction under unfavorable conditions
Phenotypic plasticity is essential for plants to adapt to changing environments.
