Flowering Plants: Structure and Organization

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards focusing on the structure, function, and organization of flowering plants.

Meristem cells

Undifferentiated plant cells that can divide indefinitely and give rise to differentiated cells.

Apical meristem

Meristem tissues present at the tips of roots and shoots that give rise to various plant tissues.

Epidermis

Layer of closely packed epidermal cells that make up the outer layer of most plant bodies.

Trichomes

Hair-like structures produced by epidermal cells that protect the plant and reduce water loss.

Photosynthesis

The process by which chloroplast-containing cells, primarily in parenchyma tissue, convert sunlight into energy.

Xylem

Vascular tissue that transports water and minerals from roots to leaves.

Phloem

Vascular tissue that transports sugars and nutrients from leaves to roots.

Taproot

A primary root that is long and grows straight down, typically found in some plant species.

Fibrous roots system

A root system comprising many slender roots and lateral branches, providing stability and absorption.

Mycorrhizae

Mutualistic associations between fungi and the roots of plants, enhancing nutrient uptake.

Cork cambium

A layer of plant tissue responsible for producing cork cells, which replace the epidermis in woody plants.

Annuals

Plants that complete their lifecycle in one growing season, producing seeds before dying.

Perennials

Plants that live for three or more years, often regrowing year after year.

Leaf morphology

The size, shape, texture, and arrangement of leaves that varies among plant species.

Mesophyll

The tissue of the leaf where photosynthesis occurs, comprising palisade and spongy mesophyll.

Guard cells

Epidermal cells that surround stomata and regulate their opening and closing for gas exchange.

Stomata

Microscopic pores on leaf surfaces that allow gas exchange and water loss.

Deciduous plants

Plants that lose their leaves seasonally.

Evergreens

Plants that retain their leaves throughout the year.

Compound leaf

A leaf structure that is divided into multiple leaflets.

Simple leaf

A leaf that has a single blade.

Adventitious roots

Roots that grow from non-root tissues, such as stems or leaves.