Plant Biology Exam Review

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts from plant biology, focusing on functions, structures, and processes relevant to the subject matter for Exam I.

Autotroph

An organism that can produce its own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis; all plants are autotrophs.

Prokaryotic cells

Cells that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, generally smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells.

Eukaryotic cells

Cells that have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; they are larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells.

Plastids

Organelles in plant cells that are involved in the synthesis and storage of food; types include chloroplasts, chromoplasts, and leucoplasts.

Vacuole

A membrane-bound organelle in plant cells that stores nutrients and waste products, helps in maintaining turgor pressure, and can store pigments.

Apical-basal polarity

Spatial organization in plant embryos, where one end (apical) will develop into the shoot and the other end (basal) into the root.

Radial polarity

A type of organization in plant embryos that defines the arrangement of tissues in circular patterns around the axis.

Xylem

The vascular tissue in plants responsible for the transport of water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.

Phloem

The vascular tissue in plants responsible for the transport of sugars and organic nutrients throughout the plant.

Meristematic tissue

Plant tissues that are responsible for growth; they contain undifferentiated cells that can divide and produce new cells.

Root cap

A protective structure at the tip of a root that helps the root penetrate the soil and protect the apical meristem.

Casparian strip

A band of cell wall material in the root endodermis that is impregnated with suberin, which regulates the flow of water and nutrients.

Secondary growth

Growth that results in an increase in girth or thickness of stems and roots, primarily due to the activity of the vascular and cork cambium.

Primary growth

Growth that results in an increase in length or height of the plant, occurring at the tips of roots and shoots.

Adaptations of leaves

Examples include succulent leaves in cacti for water storage, modified leaves for climbing in vining plants, or tendrils.

Adaptations of stems

Examples include modified stems like rhizomes for storage and vegetative reproduction, tubers for storage, or thorns for protection.