Plant Diversification Flashcards

These flashcards cover vocabulary related to plant diversification process, emphasizing key terms and definitions.

Bryophyte

A group of plants that includes mosses, liverworts, and hornworts, characterized by a lack of vascular tissue.

Sporophyte

The diploid phase of a plant's life cycle that produces spores through meiosis.

Gametophyte

The haploid phase of a plant's life cycle that produces gametes.

Pollen

The male gametophyte in seed-producing plants, which carries sperm cells.

Ovum

The female gamete in seed-producing plants.

Xylem

Vascular tissue responsible for the conduction of water and nutrients from roots to other parts of the plant.

Lignin

A complex organic polymer found in cell walls that provides structural support and rigidity to plants.

Protonema

A structure formed by the germination of moss spores, leading to the development of the gametophyte.

Rhizoids

Root-like structures that anchor bryophytes to the substrate but do not absorb water and nutrients.

Sporopollenin

A tough biopolymer that protects pollen grains from environmental damage.

Seed coat

The protective outer layer of a seed, derived from the ovule integuments.

Food supply in seeds

The endosperm or a similar structure that nourishes the embryo during germination.