PLANTS 1 Flashcards
What is the function of the cuticle in a leaf?
The cuticle protects the leaf from water loss and acts as a barrier against pathogens.
The cuticle is a waxy layer that covers the leaf surface.
What is the function of the upper epidermis?
The upper epidermis provides protection and allows light to pass through to the underlying cells.
It is usually transparent and helps in minimizing water loss.
What role does the palisade mesophyll layer play in a leaf?
The palisade mesophyll layer is where most photosynthesis occurs due to its high concentration of chloroplasts.
This layer is typically located just beneath the upper epidermis.
What is the function of the spongy mesophyll layer?
The spongy mesophyll layer facilitates gas exchange and contains air spaces for the diffusion of gases.
It is located beneath the palisade layer.
What is the role of the lower epidermis in a leaf?
The lower epidermis helps in gas exchange and protects the leaf from environmental damage TOUGH. Lower skin
It contains stomata that regulate gas exchange.
Define stomata.
Stomata are tiny openings on the surface of plants that allow the exchange of water, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. tiny holes
They are crucial for photosynthesis and respiration.
Where are stomata primarily found?
Stomata are primarily found on the underside of leaf surfaces.
This positioning helps minimize water loss.
What shapes do guard cells take in trees and grasses?
Guard cells in trees and bushes are kidney bean-shaped, while in grasses, they are dumbbell-shaped.
The shape aids in their function of regulating stomatal openings.
How do stomata function when it is wet?
When it is wet, water enters the guard cells, causing them to swell and open the stomatal pore.
This allows for gas exchange necessary for photosynthesis.
When do stomata typically open?
Stomata typically open during the daytime when there is plenty of light for photosynthesis.
They may close if the plant has sufficient carbon dioxide or if temperatures are high.
What is photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants produce their own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
It is essential for plant growth and oxygen production.
What defines autotrophic organisms?
Autotrophic organisms produce their own food from inorganic substances.
Plants are classified as autotrophic.
What defines heterotrophic organisms?
Heterotrophic organisms obtain their food by consuming other organisms.
Animals are classified as heterotrophic.
What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?
Chlorophyll is a green pigment necessary for capturing light energy for photosynthesis.
It is found in chloroplasts.
Fill in the blank: Photosynthesis mainly occurs in the _______.
leaves
What are the starting reactants of photosynthesis?
Carbon dioxide and water
These reactants are converted into glucose and oxygen.
What are the final products of photosynthesis?
Glucose and oxygen
Both are essential for the plant’s energy needs and for supporting life on Earth.
How do stomata contribute to photosynthesis?
Stomata allow carbon dioxide to enter and oxygen to exit the leaf during photosynthesis.
They are essential for gas exchange.
List four uses of glucose in plants.
- Energy source for growth
- Building blocks for other organic compounds
- Storage as starch?
- Contributing to cell structure
Glucose is crucial for various metabolic processes.
