Plant Systems Review

Hierarchical organization in biology

The arrangement of biological structures from simplest to most complex: atoms, molecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere.

Cell differentiation

The process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type. This allows cells to take on distinct functions essential to the organism.

Muscle tissue

A type of tissue that is responsible for the movement of the body and pumping blood, consisting of cardiac, smooth, and skeletal muscle.

Connective tissue

A type of tissue that supports, binds, and protects other tissues and organs, including fat, bone, tendon, and blood.

Dermal tissue

The outer protective layer of a plant that minimizes water loss and includes structures such as the epidermis and stomata.

Ground tissue

Plant tissue that makes up the majority of the plant, responsible for photosynthesis, storage, and supporting the plant.

Vascular tissue

Plant tissue that transports water and nutrients throughout the plant; includes xylem and phloem.

Xylem

The vascular tissue in plants responsible for transporting water and minerals from the roots to the leaves.

Phloem

The vascular tissue that transports sugars and other metabolic products downward from the leaves.

Differences between asexual and sexual reproduction

Asexual reproduction involves one parent and produces identical offspring, while sexual reproduction involves two parents and results in unique offspring.

Examples of asexual reproduction

Methods such as regeneration, budding, and vegetative reproduction, where offspring are genetically identical to the parent.

Shoot system

Part of a plant above the ground that includes stems, leaves, and flowers, responsible for transporting food, minerals, and water.

Root system

Part of a plant below the ground that absorbs water and nutrients from the soil and anchors the plant.

Stomata

Tiny openings in plant leaves that allow for gas exchange, acting like the alveoli in human lungs and regulated by guard cells.

Transpiration

The process of water vapor loss from plant leaves, helping to pull water upward from the roots through the xylem.

Regeneration

A type of asexual reproduction where an organism can grow from a part of the parent organism.

Budding

A form of asexual reproduction where an offspring grows on the body of the parent and can detach or remain attached.

Vegetative reproduction

A form of asexual reproduction where new plants grow from parts of the parent plant such as roots, stems, or leaves.

Zygote

The fertilized egg that forms when sperm fertilizes an egg, which grows into a new organism.