Plant Structure and Photosynthesis

Flashcards covering plant structure, tissue layers, vascular transport, plant organs, and the inputs, products, and limiting factors of photosynthesis.

What are the primary functions of the shoot system and root system in a terrestrial plant?

The shoot system supports organs like flowers, leaves, and fruits, while the root system absorbs water and minerals from the soil.

What is the main function of a flower in a plant?

It helps in reproduction.

What is the main function of a leaf?

It performs photosynthesis.

What is the main function of a fruit?

It protects the seeds.

What is the main function of a plant stem?

It supports the plant, provides internal transport of materials, and allows for the growth and development of new tissues.

What are the three main functions of a root?

1. Anchorage
2. Uptake of water and nutrients
3. Translocation/conduction of water

In which specific leaf structures does photosynthesis take place?

Within cell structures called chloroplasts.

What are the protective tissue layers of a leaf and their functions?

The cuticle is a thin, waxy outer layer that stops water from evaporating too fast, while the epidermis is composed of thin, transparent, and closely packed cells that allow light to pass through.

How do palisade mesophyll and spongy mesophyll differ in structure and function?

Palisade mesophyll contains tall, tightly packed cells near the top with many chloroplasts to catch sunlight. Spongy mesophyll contains loosely packed cells with big air spaces that let CO2 and oxygen move easily between cells.

What are stomata and what role do they play in a leaf?

Stomata are tiny openings in the leaf that let CO2 in and oxygen or water vapor out.

How do xylem and phloem differ in structure and transport direction?

Xylem provides one-way flow carrying water and minerals up with no end walls between cells and cell walls stiffened with lignin. Phloem provides two-way flow carrying water and food with perforated end walls.

What is the difference between epiterranean and subterranean stems?

Epiterranean (aerial) stems grow above the ground (e.g., Tomato, Rose, Strawberry), whereas subterranean stems grow below the ground or under the soil (e.g., Ginger, Potatoes, Onions).

What characteristics distinguish roots from stems?

1. Roots lack leaves and flowers.
2. Shapes are usually crooked.
3. They have root hairs.
4. Roots are subterranean.

What are vascular tissues in plants?

They are complex structures composed of several kinds of cells that differ in structure and function, facilitating the transport of water, nutrients, and photosynthetic products throughout the plant while supporting leaves, stems, and roots.

What energy transformation occurs during photosynthesis?

Light energy from the Sun is transformed into chemical energy stored in sugar molecules (glucose).

What two raw materials are needed for photosynthesis, and where does the plant get them?

Carbon dioxide ($\text{CO}_2$) from the air and water ($\text{H}_2\text{O}$) from the soil.

What balanced chemical equation represents the process of photosynthesis?

$$6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2$$

What are the products of photosynthesis and their roles?

Glucose is the sugar product that stores energy for plant growth and activities, and oxygen is released as a byproduct through stomata to support respiration in other organisms.

How does light intensity affect photosynthesis?

The time of day and time of year affect light intensity, making certain seasons better for photosynthesis.

What is the optimum temperature range for photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is generally optimum between $15\text{--}40$ degrees Celsius ($15\text{--}40\text{ }^\text{o}\text{C}$).

How do plant diseases affect photosynthesis via chlorophyll?

Some plant diseases can damage cells and consequently reduce chlorophyll, which impairs the plant's ability to undergo photosynthesis.

How does carbon dioxide concentration affect the rate of photosynthesis?

If the concentration of carbon dioxide increases, the rate of photosynthesis increases as well.

In what environmental conditions can water act as a limiting factor for photosynthesis?

Water may become a limiting factor in extreme rainy or hot weather.