Plant Biology Review

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to plant evolution, structure, and function.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.

Sunlight Adaptations

Adaptations in plants, such as broad leaves and positioning leaves towards the sun, to maximize light capture for photosynthesis.

Stomata

Structures in leaves that facilitate the exchange of gases, allowing plants to take in CO2 and release O2.

Xylem

The transport system in plants responsible for the absorption of water through roots and its distribution throughout the plant.

Minerals

Essential elements absorbed by plants through their roots, crucial for growth and various metabolic processes.

Plant Ancestry

Green algae are considered the evolutionary ancestors of land plants. They share characteristics such as cell walls and photosynthetic pigments.

Cooksonia

One of the first known vascular plants, dating back 425 million years, representing an early stage in plant evolution.

Early Land Plant Challenges

Challenges encountered by early land plants, including obtaining water, preventing desiccation, and reproducing without water.

Evolution of Plants

The progression of plants from aquatic environments to terrestrial ones, leading to the creation of new ecosystems and soil formation.

Characteristics of All Plants

Fundamental characteristics shared by all plants, including eukaryotic cells, cell walls with cellulose, and chlorophyll for photosynthesis.

Cladogram

A diagram illustrating the evolutionary relationships between different plant groups, showing the sequence of evolutionary advantages.

Evolution of Plants key features

The sequence of key evolutionary advancements in plants, including embryo formation, vascular tissue, seeds, and flowers/fruits.

Alternation of Generations

The life cycle pattern in plants involving alternating diploid (2N) and haploid (N) phases.

Sporophyte

The diploid phase in plants that produces spores through meiosis.

Gametophyte

The haploid phase in plants that produces gametes (sperm and egg).

Asexual Reproduction

Method of reproduction using zoospores

Fertilization

Fusion of gametes to form a zygote

Green Algae

Algae that are considered part of the plant kingdom.

Bryophytes

Mosses, liverworts, and hornworts lacking vascular tissue.

Rhizoids

Root-like structures

Tracheophytes

The plant group including club mosses, horsetails, and ferns.

Vascular Tissue

Includes xylem and pholem

Rhizomes

Underground stem

Sori

Clusters of sporangia (where spores are produced)