botany science oly

What is the function of roots?

To anchor the plant and absorb water and minerals

What is a taproot?

One large central root that grows deep into the soil.

What is a fibrous root system?

Many thin roots spread near the surface

What are root hairs?

Tiny extensions that increase surface area for absorption.

What is the root cap?

A protective tip that covers the apical meristem.

What is the main function of stems?

Support the plant and transport water, nutrients, and sugars.

What is a node?

The point on a stem where leaves or buds grow.

What is an internode?

The stem section between two nodes

What is xylem?

Tissue that transports water upward from roots

What is phloem?

Tissue that transports sugars throughout the plant

What is primary growth?

Lengthwise growth produced by apical meristems

What is secondary growth?

Increase in thickness due to lateral meristems; forms wood/bark.

What is venation?

pattern of veins in a leaf (parallel or netted

What is a midvein?

The central main vein of a leaf.

What is palisade mesophyll?

Tightly packed cells with many chloroplasts; main site of photosynthesis.

What is spongy mesophyll?

Loosely arranged cells with air spaces for gas exchange.

What are stomata?

Pores for gas exchange.

What are guard cells?

Cells that open and close stomata.

What are sepals?

Leaf-like structures that protect the flower bud.

What are petals?

Colorful structures that attract pollinators

What is the stamen?

The male reproductive organ of the flower

What two parts make up the stamen?

Anther and filament.

What does the anther do?

Produces pollen.

What is the pistil/carpel?

The female reproductive organ.

What are the three parts of the pistil?

Stigma, style, ovary.

What is the stigma?

Sticky surface that catches pollen.

What is the style?

Tube that connects stigma to ovary

What is the ovary?

Structure containing ovules; develops into fruit

What is a fruit

A mature ovary that protects seeds and helps with dispersal

What is a simple fruit?

Formed from one flower with one ovary

What is a compound fruit?

Formed from multiple ovaries or multiple flowers

What is a dry fruit?

A fruit that is not fleshy when mature (nuts, grains).

What is a fleshy fruit?

A soft, edible fruit at maturity (berries, apples).

What is the seed coat?

The protective outer covering of a seed

What is the embryo?

The young developing plant inside a seed.

What is the endosperm or cotyledon?

Stored food that nourishes the embryo

What is a monocot seed?

A seed with one cotyledon; produces plants with parallel leaf veins and fibrous roots.

What is a dicot seed?

A seed with two cotyledons; produces plants with netted leaf veins and a taproot.