plant phy Flashcards
Describe the process of germination
Germination is the process by which a seed develops into a new plant. It involves the seed absorbing water, swelling, and breaking through its outer coat.
Compare and contrast primary and secondary growth
Primary growth increases the length of the plant, while secondary growth increases its girth. Apical meristems are responsible for primary growth, and lateral meristems, vascular cambium, and cork cambium are involved in secondary growth.
What do we see when looking at tree rings?
Tree rings represent annual growth layers, with each ring indicating a year of growth. The width of the rings can reflect environmental conditions during that year.
Describe basic soil characteristics
Soil characteristics include texture, structure, pH, and nutrient content. Factors contributing to differences in soil include climate, parent material, and biological activity.
How do plants acquire cations from the soil?
Plants acquire cations through root uptake, where roots absorb positively charged ions from the soil solution.
Distinguish between macronutrients and micronutrients
Macronutrients are required in larger quantities and include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Micronutrients are needed in smaller amounts.
Describe mutualisms with bacteria and fungi
Mutualisms with bacteria and fungi, such as mycorrhizae, enhance nutrient uptake by increasing surface area for absorption and facilitating access to specific nutrients.
Describe the different ways water can move through plant tissues
Water can move through plant tissues via osmosis, diffusion, and capillary action.
How do water potential gradients enable plants to extract water?
Water potential gradients allow plants to draw water from the soil and transport it upward through the xylem, driven by transpiration.
How do plants regulate transpiration and gas exchange?
Plants regulate transpiration and gas exchange by opening and closing stomata, which control water loss and gas exchange with the environment.
Describe the mechanism of how plants move sugars throughout the body
Plants move sugars through the phloem via a process called translocation, which involves active transport and pressure flow.
How do plants respond to different environmental stimuli?
Plants respond to environmental stimuli through growth responses, such as phototropism and gravitropism, mediated by hormones.
Describe the basic steps of the plant immune response
The plant immune response includes recognition of pathogens, signaling pathways activation, and the production of defensive compounds.
What is the role of key plant hormones?
Key plant hormones regulate processes such as growth, development, and responses to environmental stimuli, including auxins, gibberellins, and abscisic acid.
How and why do plants use pheromones?
Plants use pheromones to communicate with other plants and organisms, often to signal stress or attract pollinators.
