Plant Cells and Tissues

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to plant cells and tissues.

Histology

The study of the microscopic structure of tissues.

Meristems

Special regions in plants where new cells are actively produced, allowing for growth.

Apical Meristem

The meristem that produces cells at the tips of the main and lateral shoots of the roots.

Lateral Meristem

Adds cells inward or outward of the plant body, responsible for the increase in diameter.

Parenchyma Cells

Common cells with thin primary walls that carry out functions such as storage and photosynthesis.

Collenchyma Cells

Cells with thick and uneven primary walls, providing flexible structural support in growing regions.

Sclerenchyma Cells

Cells that have thick secondary walls made of lignin and are typically dead at maturity, providing structural support.

Aerenchyma

A specialized parenchyma containing large air spaces for gas exchange and buoyancy.

Chlorenchyma

Parenchyma cells containing chloroplasts that are involved in photosynthesis.

Secretory Parenchyma

Cells that secrete substances, lined within canals and containing vesicles.

Fibers

Sclerenchyma cells that provide support; elongated and flexible.

Sclereids

Short, inflexible sclerenchyma cells that provide structural support.

Protoderm

The outermost layer of cells that gives rise to the dermal tissue system.

Ground Meristem

The tissue that develops into ground tissue, located inner to the protoderm.

Procambium

Meristematic tissue that gives rise to vascular tissues.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of cells in young plants, serving as a protective barrier.

Xylem

Vascular tissue responsible for water and mineral conduction from roots to other parts of the plant.

Phloem

Vascular tissue that conducts the products of photosynthesis from leaves to other parts of the plant.

Stomatal Complexes

Structures in leaves that facilitate gas exchange, consisting of guard cells and stomatal pores.

Velamen

Specialized multilayered epidermis found in orchids, helping to absorb moisture and nutrients.