Lab 7 - Plant Form and Function

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to Plant Form and Function as discussed in the lab.

Germination

The process by which a plant emerges from a seed or spore.

Sporophyte

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

Gibberellins

Plant hormones that promote stem and root elongation and trigger seed germination.

Meristem

A tissue in plants that consists of undifferentiated cells capable of division and growth.

Primary growth

An increase in length of a plant due to the activity of apical meristems.

Secondary growth

An increase in girth of a plant, typically occurring in woody plants, produced by cambia.

Dermal tissue

Protective tissue that covers the entire plant, including the epidermis and periderm.

Ground tissue

Plant tissue that is not vascular or dermal, including parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma.

Vascular tissue

Plant tissue responsible for transport, including xylem and phloem.

Xylem

Vascular tissue that transports water and minerals from roots to other parts of the plant.

Phloem

Vascular tissue responsible for the transport of sugars and nutrients throughout the plant.

Parenchyma cells

Plant cells with thin walls that typically function in storage, photosynthesis, and tissue repair.

Collenchyma cells

Elongated plant cells that provide flexible support, often found in stems and petioles.

Sclerenchyma cells

Supportive plant cells with thickened walls; they are often dead at maturity and provide rigidity.

Roots

Plant organs primarily responsible for absorbing water and nutrients, anchoring the plant in soil.

Stems

Plant organs that support leaves and flowers, facilitate transport, and maximize sunlight exposure.

Leaves

Plant organs primarily involved in photosynthesis and gas exchange.

Stomata

Pores located on the surface of leaves that regulate gas exchange and water loss in plants.

Cuticle

A waxy layer on plant surfaces that helps reduce water loss.