Plant Physiology Flashcards
What are the nutritional requirements of Plants?
Range of nutritional requirements of plants is small as they are autotrophic, however inorganic materials (minerals) are still required
What are the minerals plants require?
Nitrogen (amino acids and proteins), Phosphorus (ATP energy), Potassium (cellular processes), Sulfur (proteins), Calcium (cell walls), Magnesium (chlorophyll)
How do plants obtain the minerals needed?
Plants normally obtain minerals from the soil with the availability for mineral ions to plant roots depending on soil texture
Why do plants require minerals?
Mineral nutrients are required for growth and development as well as being components of, or activators for enzymes which are used in cellular reactions
What is the function/s of plant leaves?
leaves of plants are responsible for providing energy via the process of photosynthesis and respiration and is adapted to carry out the job of collecting the suns energy. They are also able to control the amount of carbon dioxide entering and the amount of water leaving the plant.
What is the structure of plant leaves?
Leaves consist of several layers of tissues, including a waxy cuticle (to prevent water loss), a vascular bundle (for transport of water and sugars) and photosynthetic tissue containing chloroplasts.
What is the function of the epidermis of a leaf?
the epidermis contain pairs of guard cells, which have chloroplasts, which control the opening and closing of the stomatal pore. Responsible for gas exchange and water loss. Typically there are more stomata on the lower epidermis and the waxy cuticle minimizes water loss
what is the function of the Mesophyll?
Photosynthesis occurs here. There are two layers: the palisade and the spongy layer which contains fewer chloroplasts and has lots of air spaces.
What is the function of leaf Veins?
vascular tissue which is conducting, i.e. moves materials around the plant and supportive for cell structure.
what are Mesophyte plants?
Terrestrial plants that live in a moderate environment
What are Xerophyte plants?
Live in conditions where water is scares and try to conserve water i.e. have less stomata and leaf curls over and stomata are hidden in deep pits
What are Hydrophyte plants?
A plant adapted to grow in water and can float ontop of the water and absorbe sunlight - bouancy
