Plants Flashcards
What are plant spores?
Plant spores are reproductive cells that can develop into new plants without fertilization, characteristic of ferns, mosses, and some algae.
Which group of plants grow as filaments or colonies?
Algae
Name the two minerals essential to plant growth.
Nitrogen and phosphorus
What is the scientific name of the moss group?
Bryophyta
What is the scientific name of the vascular group of plants?
Tracheophyta
What is the scientific name of the fern group?
Pteridophyta
Which plant group has flowers?
Angiosperms
What is the male portion of the flower called?
Stamen
Which plant group has naked seeds in pine cones?
Gymnosperms
What is the female portion of the flower called?
Pistil
What are the structures within the male portion of the flower? What are their functions?
The male portion (stamen) consists of anther (produces pollen) and filament (supports anther) for pollen production and dispersal.
What are the structures within the female portion of the flower? What are their functions?
The female portion (pistil) consists of a stigma (receives pollen), style (connects the stigma to the ovary), and ovary (contains ovules) for pollen reception, pollen tube growth, and seed development.
What’s the difference between sepals and petals?
Sepals are typically green, leaf-like structures found at the base of a flower. They protect the flower bud before it opens. Petals are usually colorful and are found inside the sepals. They are often the most visually striking part of the flower and serve to attract pollinators.
Name the upper thick portion of the stem that supports the flower.
Peduncle
Why do plant seeds become dormant?
Plant seeds become dormant to survive unfavorable conditions such as drought, cold temperatures, or lack of sunlight.
What causes plant seeds to germinate?
Plant seeds germinate in response to favorable environmental conditions such as moisture, warmth, and oxygen.
What is the difference between annuals and perennials?
Annuals complete their life cycle in one year, while perennials live for multiple years, often regrowing each spring.
Which plants are non-vascular?
Non-vascular plants include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts.
What does Xylem do?
The xylem is responsible for transporting water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. It is composed of several types of cells, including vessel elements and tracheids, which are hollow structures that facilitate the flow of water. Xylem also provides structural support to the plant.
What does Phloem do?
The phloem is responsible for transporting sugars, amino acids, and other organic compounds produced through photosynthesis from the leaves to other parts of the plant, such as the roots and growing tissues. Phloem is made up of sieve tubes, which are long, narrow cells that are connected end-to-end to form sieve tubes. These cells are specialized for the efficient transport of nutrients.
Identify the outer tissue layer of plants and include its main function.
The outer tissue layer of plants is called the epidermis. Its main function is to protect the plant from water loss, disease, and physical damage.
Define plant transpiration; where does this occur?
Plant transpiration is the process by which water is lost from the plant through evaporation from the leaves and other aerial parts, such as stems and flowers. This process mainly occurs through small openings on the surface of leaves called stomata.
Identify the middle tissue layer of plants (just inside the outer layer) and include its main function.
The middle tissue layer of plants, just inside the epidermis, is called the cortex. Its main function is to store and transport nutrients and water throughout the plant.
Where does absorption occur in a plant?
Absorption in plants primarily occurs through the roots. The root hairs, which are tiny extensions of root epidermal cells, are responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from the soil.
Identify three functions of plant stems.
- Support: Stems provide structural support to the plant, holding up the leaves, flowers, and fruits and helping them access sunlight for photosynthesis.
- Transport: Stems contain vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) that transport water, nutrients, and sugars between the roots and the rest of the plant.
- Storage: Stems can store water, nutrients, and food reserves, such as starches and sugars, which can be used during times of growth or drought.
Identify two functions of plant leaves
Photosynthesis, Gas Exchange
Define homeostasis
Homeostasis is the ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.
How do the stomata and guard cells maintain homeostasis of leaves?
Stomata and guard cells help maintain homeostasis in leaves by regulating gas exchange (CO2 uptake, O2 release) and water loss through transpiration.
Explain what happens when the stomata of leaves are open and what happens when the stomata are closed.
When stomata are open, gas exchange occurs (CO2 in, O2 out) for photosynthesis. Water vapor escapes. When closed, gas exchange stops, conserving water but limiting photosynthesis.
What is Gravitropism?
Response to gravity. Roots exhibit positive gravitropism, growing downwards, while stems show negative gravitropism, growing upwards.
What is Phototropism?
Growth in response to light. Stems grow toward light (positive phototropism), while roots grow away from light (negative phototropism).
What is Thigmotropism
Response to touch or contact. Some vines exhibit thigmotropism, growing towards a support structure when they make contact.
What is Chemotropism
Response to chemicals. Pollen tubes exhibit chemotropism, growing towards ovules guided by chemical signals.
What does the cambium do?
Make new phloem and xylem
What tissue is in the region of the root just above the root cap?
Meristematic
Name the parts of the carpel
Stigma, Style, Ovary, Ovules
Photosynthesis needs?
(CO2), (H2O), and Sunlight
The main function of the cuticle is?
Prevent water loss
