Structures and Functions of Plant Cells

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering meristematic and permanent plant tissues, their specific cell types, locations, and functions as presented in Lesson 2.3.

What are the two major types of plant tissues?

Meristematic tissues and permanent tissues.

How is meristematic tissue defined in terms of its location and characteristics?

It is found in the growing areas of plants and gives rise to permanent tissues that differentiate into specialized cells.

What is the primary responsibility of apical meristems?

They are responsible for the primary growth of plants, which is an increase in height.

In which specific parts of the root are apical meristems located?

They are located at the root tips.

The microscopic view of cells in the lecture notes shows the apical meristems of which specific organism?

$$\text{Allium cepa}$$

What are the three derivatives of apical meristems listed in the root tip diagram?

Protoderm, ground meristem, and procambium.

What type of growth are lateral meristems responsible for?

Secondary growth, which is an increase in the plant's diameter and girth.

What are the two specific types of lateral meristems?

Vascular cambium and cork cambium.

What tissues does the vascular cambium produce?

It gives rise to secondary xylem and phloem.

What specific plant material is formed from secondary xylem?

Wood

What are the three components that make up the bark of a plant?

Cork cambium, cork, and phloem.

How are simple permanent tissues distinguished from complex permanent tissues?

Simple permanent tissues are composed of one kind of cell, while complex permanent tissues are composed of two or more kinds of cells.

What is the function of the waxy cuticle that protects the epidermis?

It prevents loss of water and the invasion of disease-causing microorganisms.

What specialized epidermal structures increase the absorption capacity of roots?

Root hairs

What are trichomes and what are their functions?

They are hair-like outgrowths on the epidermis of leaves and stems that prevent water loss and reflect excess light.

What specialized structures regulate the opening and closing of stomata on the lower epidermis of leaves?

Guard cells

What are stomata?

Slit-like structures on the lower epidermis of leaves that aid in the exchange of gases between plants and the environment.

Why are ground tissues also referred to as fundamental tissues?

Because their functions, such as photosynthesis, storage, and support, are essential for the growth and development of plants.

What is the primary function of parenchyma cells?

They are mostly responsible for the synthesis and storage of plant food, as well as photosynthesis.

What is the role of collenchyma cells in a plant?

They provide flexible support to the immature parts of plants.

What are the two kinds of sclerenchyma cells?

Sclereids and fibers.

What is the difference in function between sclereids and fibers?

Sclereids strengthen seed coats and create the gritty texture in some fruits, while fibers are used commercially to make rope and flax.

Which tissues are the only complex permanent tissues in plants?

Vascular tissues (xylem and phloem).

What are tracheids in the xylem?

Thin and elongated cells through which water passes.

What feature of vessel elements in the xylem allows for the transport of water?

Perforated plates

What kind of elements is the phloem composed of to help transport nutrients?

Sieve-tube elements