plant nutrition - key terms Flashcards
Define photosynthesis
the process by which plants manufacture carbohydrates from raw materials using energy from light.
Define chlorophyll
is a green dye that traps light energy and converts it into chemical energy to form carbohydrates and their subsequent storage.
Define glucose
is used for respiration, energy storage, cellulose cell walls, and making proteins and sugars.
Define limiting factor
something present in the environment in such short supply that it restricts life processes.
Leaf structure: Define cuticle
the waxy layer that prevents water loss from the top of the leaf
Leaf structure: Define upper/lower epidermis
transparent cell that allows sunlight to pass through to the palisade cell
Leaf structure: Define palisade mesophyll
is found at the top of the cell and contains many chloroplasts that absorb sunlight.
Leaf structure: Define spongy mesophyll
irregularly shaped cells that create air spaces to allow the gaseous exchange to take place; do not contain many chloroplasts
Leaf structure: Define vascular bundles
made up of xylem and phloem
Leaf structure: Define xylem
vessel which transports water and dissolved minerals and has lignified walls made of cellulose
Leaf structure : Define phloem
a vessel that transports nutrients
Leaf structure: Define stomata
little holes that open and close to allow the gaseous exchange to occur. The stomata are close to prevent water loss and open to letting gases in and out. When guard cells lose water, the stoma closes (at night), while the stoma opens when guard cells gain water & swell (during the day).
Leaf structure: Define guard cell
control the opening and closing of stomata
Define nitrate ions
-Making amino acids
-Deficiency: small plant due to slow/stunted growth
Define magnesium ions
-Making chlorophyll
-Deficiency: plant lacks chlorophyll, leaves turn yellow
