Plant Growth and Development

Flashcards to help memorize key concepts and vocabulary related to plant growth and development.

Apical meristem

A region of actively dividing cells located at the tips of shoots and roots, responsible for the primary growth of plants.

Lateral meristems

Meristems located along the sides of stems and roots that enable secondary growth, increasing the diameter of the plant.

Meristem identity genes

Genes that express specific characteristics allowing plant cells in the meristem to differentiate and contribute to growth.

Auxin

A plant hormone that regulates growth, particularly in stem elongation and the formation of vascular tissue.

Phototropism

The growth of a plant towards light, influenced by the unequal distribution of auxin.

Gibberellins

Plant hormones that promote stem elongation and seed germination.

Ethylene

A gaseous plant hormone that regulates processes such as fruit ripening and response to environmental stress.

Tropism

Movement or growth of a plant in response to environmental stimuli, such as light (phototropism) or gravity (gravitropism).

Cork cambium

A lateral meristem that produces the outer protective layer of a plant.

Procambial cells

Cells that give rise to xylem and phloem tissues in plants.