Archaeplastida

apical meristems

undifferentiated cells that proliferate throughout life

carpel

flower structure that contains the female reproductive organs; produces ovules

cellulose

carbohydrate component of plant cell walls

cuticle

watertight sealant that prevents water loss

ecosystem service

benefits that humans derive, directly or indirectly, from ecosystem functions

fiddlehead

tightly coiled new fronds of ferns

flavonoids

UV absorbing compounds that prevent DNA damage

flower

branches specialized for reproduction found in some seed-bearing plants, typically both male and female organs

fronds

large leaves of ferns

fruit

thickened tissue derived from ovary wall that protects the embryo after fertilization and facilitates seed dispersal

gametophyte

multicellular and haploid, produce gametes by mitosis

guard cells

specialized cells that open/close stoma

heterospory

produces two types of spores

homospory

produces one type of spore

lignin

complex polymer impermeable to water, adds support to vascular tissue of plants

ovules

female spores

petal

modified leaf interior to the sepals; colorful petals attract animal pollinators

phycoerythrin

a pigment that exists in red algae, absorbs blue and green wavelengths and reflects red wavelengths

plankton

diverse group of mostly microscopic organisms that drift in marine and freshwater systems and serve as a food source for larger aquatic organisms

plastid

one of a group of related organelles in plant cells that are involved in the storage of starches, fats, proteins, and pigments

pollen

male spores, protective coating resistant to dessication

rhizoids

thin filaments that anchor mosses to the substrate

root

modified plant tissue to provide anchorage and take in water and nutrients

seed

structure containing the embryo, storage tissue, and protective coat

sepal

modified leaf that encloses the bud; outermost structure of a flower

sori

clusters of sporangia on the underside of fern fronds; where spores are produced

sporophyte

multicellular and diploid, produce spores by meiosis

stamen

flower structure that contains the male reproductive organs; produces pollen

stoma

pores that can open and close and control gas exchange

tracheids

secondary cell walls supported by complex polymer lignin, a type of vascular tissue

vascular plant

plant containing a network of cells that conducts water and solutes through the organism

vessel elements

another type of vascular tissue that is wider, with gaps for more efficient water movement