INTRO TO BOTANY AND TISSUE SYSTEMS

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, primarily through chlorophyll in chloroplasts.

Tropism

A growth response of a plant towards or away from a stimulus such as light or gravity.

Sporophyte

The diploid multicellular stage in the life cycle of plants that produces spores.

Gametophyte

The haploid stage in the life cycle of plants that produces gametes (sperm and eggs).

Dermal Tissue

The outer protective layer of a plant, which includes the epidermis, serving as a barrier against pathogens and environmental factors.

Xylem

Complex tissue in plants that transports water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant.

Phloem

Complex tissue responsible for transporting sugars, amino acids, and other substances throughout the plant.

Cuticle

A waxy layer on the surface of leaves and stems that helps reduce water loss.

Stomata

Small openings in the epidermis of leaves and stems that facilitate gas exchange with the environment.

Trichomes

Hair-like structures on plant surfaces that provide protection and can aid in reducing water loss.

Periderm

A protective tissue that replaces the epidermis in older regions of stems and roots, composed mainly of cork cells.

Cork Cambium (Phellogen)

Layer of meristematic tissue that produces the periderm, including cork and phelloderm.

Parenchyma

Simple tissue in plants, primarily involved in storage and transport of nutrients.

Sclerenchyma

Simple tissue providing support in plants; consists of thick-walled cells that are usually dead at maturity.

Collenchyma

Simple tissue providing flexible support in young plant stems and leaves, characterized by unevenly thickened cell walls.

Angiosperms

Flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed within a fruit.

Gymnosperms

Non-flowering plants that produce seeds exposed on cones.

Bryophytes

Non-vascular land plants, such as mosses, that reproduce via spores.

Pith

The central part of a plant stem, surrounded by vascular tissue, primarily involved in storage.

Cortex

The layer of ground tissue between the epidermis and vascular tissues, involved in storage and transport.