Plant Structure and Function: Plant Cells and Tissues

Flashcards covering the three basic plant cell types (Parenchyma, Collenchyma, Sclerenchyma) and the three tissue systems (Dermal, Ground, Vascular), along with related vocabulary, as discussed in the lecture notes.

Parenchyma cells

The most common plant cell type, characterized by thin walls and large water-filled vacuoles; they store starch, oils, and water, and can divide throughout their lives aiding in wound healing.

Collenchyma cells

Plant cells that provide support to a growing plant, are strong and flexible with unevenly thick cell walls, and lack lignin, allowing them to stretch and change size.

Sclerenchyma cells

The strongest plant cell type, possessing a second cell wall hardened by lignin; they die at maturity but their cell walls remain to provide structural support, often found in parts like nuts or used for fibers.

Dermal tissue

The tissue system that covers the outside of a plant, protecting it from damage; its epidermal cells secrete a protective cuticle.

Ground tissue

The tissue system located inside a plant; it provides support, stores materials (like water in stems), and in leaves, is packed with chloroplasts for photosynthesis.

Vascular tissue

The tissue system responsible for transporting water, minerals, and organic compounds throughout the plant, consisting of xylem and phloem.

Xylem

Part of the vascular tissue that transports water and minerals throughout the plant.

Phloem

Part of the vascular tissue that transports photosynthetic products (sugars) throughout the plant.

Cuticle

A waxy layer secreted by epidermal cells of dermal tissue that covers the outside of a plant for protection.

Lignin

A complex polymer that hardens the secondary cell walls of sclerenchyma cells, providing strength and rigidity.