Plants (Basic Botony)

Meristematic Tissue

Groups of undifferentiated, actively dividing cells, source of other tissue types, produce cells by mitosis

Dermal Tissue

Outer covering of plant, typically single layer of epidermal cells, often covered by waxy cuticle to protect from water loss

Vascular Tissue

Xylem conducts water, consists of narrow tracheids & wide vessel elements; Phloem conducts food, consists of sieve tube elements & companion cells

Ground Tissue

Located between dermal & vascular tissue, types include parenchyma for water storage, collenchyma for support, and sclerenchyma with thick cell walls

Roots

Tap Roots have a central primary root, Fibrous Roots are branched out and uniform in size

Stems

Nodes where leaves & buds attach, Internodes space between nodes, Monocots have scattered vascular bundles, Dicots have organized ring of vascular bundles

Stem Growth

Primary Growth increases length at apical meristems, Secondary Growth increases width at lateral meristems

Wood

Heartwood is the oldest xylem towards the center, Sapwood is active in transport, Wood Rings indicate tree’s age and environmental conditions

Leaves

Blades collect light, Petiole is a thin stalk, Mesophyll has palisade and spongy layers, Stomata are openings for gas exchange

Water Transport

Evaporation pulls water up from roots, Capillary Action uses cohesion/adhesion to pull water up xylem

Flowers

Sepals enclose bud, Petals are brightly colored, Stamens are male parts, Pistil contains ovary, style, and stigma

Pollination

Gymnosperms wind pollinated, Angiosperms animal pollinated, Bright colors attract pollinators, Plants produce nectar as a bribe

Fertilization

Pollen grain lands on stigma, Pollen tube forms, Double fertilization occurs, Seeds & Fruit:Zygote grows into embryo within seed, Ovary walls thicken to form fruit

Dispersal of Seeds

By animals (through eating fruit & seeds), By water or wind, Dormancy is when the embryo is alive but not growing

Germination

Early growth stage of embryo, Seed absorbs water, Swells, Cracks open seed coat, Root emerges