Plant Biology and Reproduction Concepts

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to plant biology, reproduction, and ecology, providing essential terms and definitions for understanding plant life cycles and their significance.

Gametophyte

The stage in a plant's life cycle that produces gametes.

Sporophyte

The diploid stage in a plant's life cycle that produces spores.

Meiosis

The process that leads to the formation of gametes from gametophytes.

Flagellated sperm

Sperm that require water to swim to reach the egg.

Angiosperms

Seed plants that produce flowers and fruits; they have a dominant sporophyte phase.

Pollen

The male gametophyte in seed plants, responsible for transferring male gametes.

Dormant stage

A period in which seeds remain inactive until conditions are favorable for growth.

Seed dispersal

The process by which seeds are spread away from the parent plant to reduce competition.

Conifers

A type of gymnosperm that produces seeds in cones and remains evergreen.

Deciduous trees

Trees that lose their leaves seasonally to conserve water and energy.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy.

Fruit

The matured ovary of a flower that contains seeds.

Cotyledons

The first leaves that develop from the seed of a plant.

Germination

The process by which a seed develops into a new plant.

Pollination

The transfer of pollen from male to female reproductive structures, allowing fertilization.

Legumes

A family of plants that includes peanuts and beans; their seeds are used for food.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit, such as plants and their pollinators.

Endosperm

The tissue that provides nourishment to the developing embryo in seeds.

Biological diversity

The variety of life in the world, including the different species of plants.

Angiosperm advantages

Features such as flowers and fruits that enhance reproduction and seed dispersal.

Co-evolution

The mutual evolutionary influence between two species, such as flowers and pollinators.

Herbaceous plants

Plants that have a soft stem and are typically annual.

Woody plants

Plants that have a hard stem and can live for many years.

Climate change impacts

The effects of climate change on ecosystems, including plant reproduction cycles.

Stomata

Small openings on plant leaves that facilitate gas exchange for photosynthesis.

Transpiration

The process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from leaves.

Carbon dioxide

A greenhouse gas that plants use during photosynthesis.

Pollinator decline

The decrease in populations of bees and other pollinators, impacting food production.

Fertilization

The union of male and female gametes to form a zygote.

Xylem

The tissue responsible for transporting water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves.

Phloem

The tissue responsible for transporting sugars and other metabolic products down the plant.

Gymnosperms

A group of seed plants that includes conifers; their seeds are not enclosed.

Nectar

A sweet fluid produced by flowers to attract pollinators.

Symbiosis

A close relationship between two different species, which may be mutualistic or parasitic.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.

Root system

The part of the plant that anchors it and absorbs water and nutrients.

Fruit types

Different categories of fruits, such as fleshy, dry, and dehiscent.

Pollination syndromes

Patterns of flower characteristics that have evolved to attract specific pollinators.

Seed anatomy

The structure of a seed, including the embryo, endosperm, and seed coat.

Herbivory

The consumption of plants by animals, which can affect plant survival and reproduction.

Resistance to pests

The ability of plants to fend off herbivore attacks or diseases.

Biodiversity benefits

The advantages of having diverse plant species, including ecosystem stability.

Succession

The natural process of change in species structure in an ecological community over time.

Sustainable agriculture

Farming practices that maintain soil health and biodiversity.

Ecosystem services

The benefits that humans receive from natural ecosystems, provided by plants.

Hydration in plants

The importance of water for maintaining turgor pressure and metabolic functions.