Plant Biology Vocabulary

Flashcards for plant biology vocabulary review.

Shoot System

The part of the plant comprised of the leaves and stems.

Meristematic Tissue

Type of plant tissue found in meristems that enable continuous cell division and growth.

Permanent Tissue

Plant cells that are no longer actively dividing and growing.

Apical Meristem

Meristem located in roots and shoots that enable the plant to extend in length.

Lateral Meristem

Meristem located throughout the plant that encourage growth in thickness of a maturing plant.

Intercalary Meristem

Meristem only in monocots, at the base of leaf blades and nodes that enables leaf to grow from the base.

Dermal Tissue

Plant tissue that covers and protects the plant.

Vascular Tissue

Plant tissue that transports water, nutrients, and sugar throughout the plant.

Ground Tissue

Plant tissue that serves as the site for photosynthesis, support matrix for vascular tissue & storage for sugars and water.

Xylem

The vascular tissue composed of 3 cell types that transports water & nutrients from the roots to the plant.

Phloem

The vascular tissue composed of 4 cell types that transports organic molecules from site of photosynthesis to other plant tissues.

Nodes

The attachment sites for leaves, roots & flowers on the stem.

Internodes

The spaces between nodes on the stem.

Parenchyma Cells

Most common plant cell, mainly responsible for metabolic functions and can store starch.

Collenchyma Cells

Elongated plant cells that contain unevenly thickened cell walls and provide structural support for stems and leaves.

Sclerenchyma Cells

Plant cells that provide structural support and most are dead at maturity.

Epidermis

Single layer of cells that covers and protects tissues beneath the leaf epidermis.

Stomata

Site of gas exchange in the leaf epidermis, surrounded by 2 guard cells that open and close.

Trichomes

Hair like structures on the leaf epidermis that prevent water loss during transpiration, help reflect some solar radiation and store substances that prevent predation.

Pith

Located towards the interior of vascular tissue in stems.

Cortex

Located between the vascular bundles and epidermis in stems.

Primary Growth

Increase in length of roots & shoots.

Secondary Growth

Increase in girth of woody plants.

Rhizome

Grows horizontally underground, shoots may appear above ground.

Corm

Similar to rhizomes but more round and fleshy, able to survive harsh winters.

Stolon

Stems that run parallel to the ground just below the surface.

Runner

Type of stolon that runs above the ground.

Tubers

Stems that store starch, arise as swollen ends of stolons.

Bulbs

Functions as an underground storage unit.

Tendrils

Small, slender strands that enable plants to climb and hold on to vertical structures.

Thorns

Modified branches for protection against herbivory.

Taproot system

Dicots; main root with small lateral roots that go deep in the soil.

Fibrous root system

Monocots; dense network of roots that are close to the soil surface and prevent soil erosion.

Root cap

Protects the elongating root tip, continuously replaced.

Root hairs

Extensions of epidermis of roots that increase surface area.

Endodermis

Separates stele from ground tissue (exclusive to roots) and serves as a check point for materials entering vascular system.

Pericycle

Outermost layer of root vascular tissue that gives rise to lateral roots.

Lamina

Leaf blade, widest part of the leaf.

Sessile leaves

Leaves attached directly to the stem.

Alternate Leaves

One leaf per node, alternate on each side of the stem.

Spiral Leaves

Leaves arranged in a spiral around the stem.

Opposite Leaves

2 leaves arise opposite each other at the same point on the stem.

Whorled Leaves

3 or more leaves connected at a point.

Simple Leaf Form

Leaf is completely undivided.

Compound Leaf Form

Leaf blade is completely divided creating leaflets.

Palmately Compound Leaves

Leaflets radiate from one point, resembles a palm.

Pinnately Compound Leaves

Leaflets arranged along the midrib.

Epidermis

Outermost layer of the leaf, present on top and bottom that helps regulate gas exchange.

Cuticle

Waxy layer on leaves that helps prevent water loss.

Trichomes

Hair like structures on leaves that prevent water loss and protect plant.

Mesophyll

Located below epidermis in dicots.

Palisade parenchyma

Tightly packed, column shaped cells in leaves.

Spongy parenchyma

Irregular shape in leaves with air between cells allows for gas exchange.

Streptophyta

Includes green algae & land plants; vascular = contains specialized cells for water and nutrient transport.

Gymnosperms

Produce naked seeds (pinecones).

Angiosperms

Flowering plants that protect seed inside a fruit.