Plant Growth Flashcards
What are meristems?
tissues in a plant consisting of undifferentiated cells capable of indeterminate growth
What are apical meristems?
The new cells at the apex of the root and shoot tips
What are the two types of meristematic tissue?
Apical and lateral meristems
What are apical meristems responsible for?
Primary growth (plant lengthening)
New leaves and flowers
What are lateral meristems responsible for?
Secondary growth (plant widening/thickening)
Production of bark
What is auxin?
a plant hormone that is synthesised in the apical meristem and travels down the stem
What is apical dominance?
inhibition of the growth of axillary (side) buds in nodes
How does auxin differ in the roots vs the shoots?
Roots-inhibits cell elongation
Shoots-stimulates cell elongation
What are gibberellins?
inhibits the growth of axillary (side) buds in nodes
What is ethylene?
A gas which acts as a plant hormone and stimulates maturation and ageing (senescence)
How is ethylene different from auxin and giberellins?
It is responsible for the ripening of certain fruit (auxins and gibberellins promote fruit growth but inhibit ripening)
It also contributes to the loss of leaves (abscission) and the death of flowers
What does abscisic acid control?
controls the closing of stomata and hence regulates water loss in plants
