Evolution of Body Forms in Green Plants

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and processes related to the evolution of body forms in green plants, focusing on structures and processes from unicellular ancestors to multicellular forms.

Body Types in Green Plants

Three main body types: unicellular, colonial, and multicellular.

Charophycean Algae

A group of green algae believed to be the ancestor of land plants.

Karyokinesis

Nuclear division process during cell division (mitosis).

Cytokinesis

Division of the cytoplasm and the deposition of new wall material during cell division.

Middle Lamella

A pectic matrix between cellulose cell walls that facilitates cell adhesion in green plants.

Symplasmic Continuity

Continuity of the cytoplasm between adjoining cells in multicellular plants.

Chara sp.

A freshwater green alga considered the ancestor of land plants, with features like internal fertilization and similar structures.

Cell Adhesion

The process by which cells remain together through structures like the middle lamella.

Apical Growth

Growth from the tips of branches, a feature shared by stoneworts and most land plants.

Filamentous Body Plan

Multicellular structure characterized by branched or unbranched filaments, such as in Spirogyra.