Little Shop of Horrors - Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover essential terms and definitions related to the evolution of plants, their adaptations, and key concepts discussed in the lecture.

Multicellular

Organisms composed of many cells that often have specialized functions.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Vascular Tissue

Specialized tissue in plants composed of xylem and phloem that conducts water, nutrients, and sugars.

Sporangia

Multicellular organs in plants that produce spores.

Gametophyte

The haploid phase of the plant life cycle that produces gametes.

Sporophyte

The diploid phase of the plant life cycle that produces spores.

Alternation of Generations

A reproductive cycle characteristic of plants, involving a switch between haploid and diploid phases.

Cuticles

Waxy layers on the surface of plants that prevent water loss.

Stomata

Tiny openings in plant leaves that allow for gas exchange.

Angiosperms

Flowering plants that produce seeds within a fruit.

Gymnosperms

Seed plants that do not form flowers or fruits, typically having naked seeds.

Rhizoids

Root-like structures that anchor bryophytes to the substrate.

Flagellated Sperm

Sperm that have a flagellum, allowing them to swim in water to reach the egg.

Ovule

Structure in seed plants that contains the female gametophyte.

Pollen

The male gametophyte in seed plants, capable of fertilizing the ovule.

Seed

An evolved structure containing a plant embryo, food supply, and protective coat.

Photosynthetic Organisms

Organisms like plants that produce their own food using sunlight.

Epidermis

The outer layer of cell tissue in plants.

Lignin

A complex organic polymer deposited in the cell walls of many plants, making them rigid and woody.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and other organelles enclosed within membranes.