Plant Biology Key Words

Question 1

Transpiration

Answer 1

The evaporation of water through the stomata in leaves

Question 2

Translocation

Answer 2

The movement of dissolved sugars through a plant from the leaves (source) to the rest of the plant (sink) in phloem tubes

Question 3

Limiting Factors

Answer 3

A factor which affects the rate of photosynthesis. High levels of CO2 and H2O, light intensity and temperature will increase the rates of photosynthesis.

Question 4

Phloem

Answer 4

Cells that transports dissolved sugars (glucose or sucrose) from the leaves (source) to the rest of the plant (sink)

Question 5

Transpiration Stream

Answer 5

The movement of water around a plant from roots (source) to the leaves (sink)

Question 6

Xylem

Answer 6

Cells that carry water and minerals around a plant from the roots (source) to the leaves (sink)

Question 7

Iodine

Answer 7

A chemical used to detect starch (it goes blue / black) in leaves. This proves that photosynthesis has taken place.

Question 8

Glucose

Answer 8

The sugar made by plants during photosynthesis, used in respiration.

Question 9

Starch

Answer 9

How a plant stores its glucose.

Question 10

Photosynthesis

Answer 10

The process that plants use to make their food.
Water + Carbon Dioxide —> Glucose + Oxygen
6H2O + 6CO2 –> C6H12O6 + 6O2

Question 11

Diffusion

Answer 11

The (random) movement of particles from a region of High to Low concentration until equilibrium is reached. How gases move around. No energy needed (it is a passive process).

Question 12

Root hairs

Answer 12

Small hairs on roots that increase a root’s surface area and allow more water / minerals to be taken up.

Question 13

Active transport

Answer 13

The movement of particles (e.g. minerals) from a region of Low to High concentration. Needs energy.

Question 14

Enzymes

Answer 14

Catalysts that speed up reaction rates. Made of proteins

Question 15

Chloroplast

Answer 15

Where photosynthesis takes place in cells

Question 16

Chlorophyll

Answer 16

A green pigment which absorbs sunlight. Found in chloroplasts.

Question 17

Respiration

Answer 17

C6H12O6 + 6O2 –> 6H2O + 6CO2 + Energy

A reaction that produces energy. The opposite reaction to photosynthesis.

Question 18

Mitochondria

Answer 18

Where respiration takes place in cells to make energy

Question 19

Producer

Answer 19

Plants are called this (in food chains) since they produce their own food by photosynthesising.

Question 20

Leaves

Answer 20

Organs in plants needed for photosynthesis

Question 21

Flowers

Answer 21

Organs in plants needed for reproduction

Question 22

Osmosis

Answer 22

The (random) movement of water from a region of High to Low concentration until equilibrium, through a partially permeable membrane. No energy needed (it is a passive process).

Question 23

Stomata

Answer 23

Pores / holes found in the under surface of a leaf, where gaseous exchange takes place. CO2 enters and O2 leaves.

Question 24

Guard Cells

Answer 24

Cells found either side of stomata that open and close the stomata to change rates of water loss.

Question 25

Vascular Bundle

Answer 25

A bundle of xylem and phloem vessels in a plant used to transport materials around a plant.

Question 26

Waxy Cuticle

Answer 26

A waterproofing layer at the top and bottom of a leaf

Question 27

Epidermal cells

Answer 27

Upper and lower layers of cells in a leaf

Question 28

Palisade mesophyll cells

Answer 28

Where most photosynthesis takes place in a leaf. Found near the top of leaves (close to the light) and packed with chloroplasts.

Question 29

Spongy mesophyll cells

Answer 29

Cells in a leaf surrounding by air spaces to allow for gaseous exchange.