Comparative Morphology and Anatomy of Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons

This set of flashcards summarizes key vocabulary and concepts related to the comparative morphology and anatomy of monocots and dicots, essential for a better understanding of flowering plants.

Monocotyledons (Monocots)

One of the major groups of angiosperms characterized by having a single cotyledon in the seed embryo.

Dicotyledons (Dicots)

One of the major groups of angiosperms characterized by having two cotyledons in the seed embryo.

Germination

The process by which a seed develops into a new plant, involving the growth of the embryo.

Coleoptile

A protective sheath in monocots that covers the emerging shoot and aids in its passage through the soil.

Hypogeal Germination

A type of germination where the cotyledons remain below the soil surface.

Epigeal Germination

A type of germination where the cotyledons are lifted above the soil surface.

Parallel Venation

A leaf venation pattern found in monocots where veins run parallel to each other along the leaf.

Dorsiventral Leaves

Leaves of dicots that have distinct upper and lower surfaces, adapted for maximum light absorption.

Isobilateral Leaves

Monocot leaves that are similar on both upper and lower surfaces, allowing for equal light absorption.

Vascular Tissue

Plant tissue involved in the transport of water (xylem) and nutrients (phloem).

Secondary Growth

Growth that involves the increase in thickness of stems and roots, typically seen in dicots due to the presence of vascular cambium.

Fibrous Root System

A root system characteristic of monocots, composed of many thin, branching roots.

Taproot System

A root system typical of dicots featuring a primary root that grows deep with smaller lateral roots.

Stomata

Small openings on leaf surfaces that regulate gas exchange and transpiration.

Transpiration

The process by which water vapor is lost from a plant's aerial parts, particularly through stomata.

Cohesion–Tension Theory

The theory explaining that water movement in plants is primarily driven by transpiration, creating a tension that pulls water upward.

Water Potential (Ψ)

The measure of the free energy of water in a system; it predicts the direction of water movement.

Turgor Pressure

The pressure exerted by the fluid in the central vacuole against the cell wall, providing structural support.

Plasmolysis

The process in which plant cells lose water in a hypertonic environment, causing the plasma membrane to retract from the cell wall.