Plant Anatomy Flashcards

Flashcards covering the anatomy of plant leaves, stems, and roots.

Cuticle

A waxy layer covering the upper epidermis of the leaf, made of cutin; it reduces water loss.

Upper (Adaxial) Epidermis

The outer layer of cells on the top surface of a leaf; it protects against water loss, UV radiation, and pathogens, and secretes a waxy cuticle.

Mesophyll

The tissue between the upper and lower epidermis of the leaf, responsible for photosynthesis; contains chloroplasts and is divided into palisade and spongy cells.

Palisade Cells

Rod-shaped cells in the top layer of the mesophyll, containing a high number of chloroplasts; specialized for photosynthesis.

Spongy Mesophyll

Irregularly shaped cells in the lower region of the mesophyll, containing air spaces between them; allow for gas exchange within the leaf.

Chloroplasts

Specialized organelles within plant cells containing chlorophyll; convert sunlight energy into chemical energy (glucose) through photosynthesis.

Guard Cells

A pair of specialized cells surrounding each stomata, responsible for opening and closing the pore; controls gas exchange and water loss.

Stomata

Microscopic pores on the leaf surface; regulate gas exchange and water loss(carbon dioxide intake and oxygen release).

Vascular Bundles

A network of tubes within the leaf, transporting water, nutrients, and sugar throughout the plant; includes xylem and phloem.

Cortex & pith

Tissue made of parenchyma cells for storing food/healing wounds & other metabolic function

Collenchyma/sclerenchyma cells

help provide supports for stem

Endodermis

cells that limit the inner cylinder of the root with suberin & lignin supporting the water absorption

Pericycle

the tissue inside endodermis which helps in producing lateral roots