Plant Biology Review

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms related to plant biology, including plant structures, reproduction, nutrition, and physiological responses.

Sporophyte

The diploid (2n) phase of a plant that produces spores via meiosis.

Gametophyte

The haploid (n) phase of a plant that produces gametes (sperm and egg) through mitosis.

Angiosperms

Flowering plants that are sporophyte-dominant, meaning the visible plant is diploid.

Stamen

The male part of the flower that produces pollen, containing sperm.

Carpel

The female part of a flower responsible for receiving pollen and developing eggs into seeds.

Double Fertilization

A unique process in angiosperms involving the fusion of one sperm with an egg to form a zygote, and another sperm with two polar nuclei to form endosperm.

Endosperm

A tissue that provides nutrition to the developing embryo in seeds.

Self-Incompatibility

A mechanism preventing self-fertilization by rejecting pollen that matches the plant's own S-genes.

Macronutrients

Nutrients required by plants in large amounts, such as nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium.

Micronutrients

Nutrients required by plants in smaller amounts, such as iron and boron.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process by which nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₄⁺) usable by plants.

Mycorrhizae

Symbiotic relationships between fungi and plant roots that enhance nutrient absorption.

Auxin

A plant hormone that promotes cell elongation, particularly in response to light.

Ethylene

A plant hormone that regulates fruit ripening and aging.

Gravitropism

Plant growth in response to gravity, where roots grow downward and shoots grow upward.

Phototropism

Plant growth in response to light, characterized by the bending of shoots towards the light source.

Stomata

Pores on plant leaves that regulate gas exchange and water loss.

Cation Exchange

The process by which roots release hydrogen ions (H⁺) to displace and absorb cations from the soil.

Carnivorous Plants

Plants that trap and digest insects for extra nutrients, particularly nitrogen.

Parasitic Plants

Plants that derive nutrients from host plants through specialized structures called haustoria.

Nastic Movements

Non-directional responses of plants to stimuli, such as leaf folding when touched.

Inducible Defenses

Plant defenses that are activated in response to herbivore attack, saving energy when not needed.