Plant Diversity Flashcards
Biomass
The total mass of living organisms, usually in reference to a specific area or group
Cuticle
A waxy layer on the external surface of stems and leaves in the shoot system
Stomata
Regulated openings in leaves where gas exchange occurs
Alternation of generations
A life cycle that has both multicellular diploid and multicellular haploid forms
Sporophyte
The multicellular diploid phase in a life cycle with alternation of generations
Gametophyte
The multicellular haploid phase in a life cycle with alternation of generations
Spore
A single cell that is produced by meiosis and that germinates and grows into a multicellular individual by mitosis
Vascular tissue
Groups of cells specialized for transporting water, mineral nutrients, chemical signals, and sugars throughout the plant body
Pollen
Male gametophyte surrounded by a protective coat
Pollination
Transfer of pollen to an egg-producing structure; often a mutualistic relationship based on plants accomplishing fertilization in exchange for animals obtaining food in the form of nectar or pollen
Seed
An organ comprised of an embryo and a food supply surrounded by a protective coat
Flowers
Organs that enclose the reproductive structures of angiosperms and are specialized for facilitating pollination
Fruits
Organs that enclose seeds and are specialized for facilitating dispersal