Plants

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the diversification of eukaryotic plants, their structures, functions, and reproductive strategies.

Eukaryotes

Organisms with complex cells that have a nucleus and organelles.

Pitcher plant

A type of plant that traps and digests insects using a pitcher-shaped structure.

Nitrogen fixation

The process of converting nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into ammonia by certain bacteria.

Mycorrhizae

Fungi that form associations with plant roots to enhance nutrient absorption.

Multicellular

Organisms composed of multiple cells.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy.

Angiosperms

Flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed in fruits.

Gymnosperms

Non-flowering plants that produce seeds exposed on cones.

Xylem

Vascular tissue responsible for water and mineral transport in plants.

Phloem

Vascular tissue that transports sugars and nutrients throughout the plant.

Cuticle

A protective, waxy layer covering the epidermis of leaves and stems.

Guard cells

Cells that control the opening and closing of stomata in plant leaves.

Non-vascular plants

Plants that lack a vascular system, such as mosses.

Vascular plants

Plants that have specialized tissues for transporting water and nutrients.

Desiccation

The process of drying out or losing moisture.

Haploid

Cells with a single set of chromosomes (n).

Diploid

Cells with two sets of chromosomes (2n).

Sporophyte

The diploid phase of the plant life cycle that produces spores.

Gametophyte

The haploid phase of the plant life cycle that produces gametes.

Pollination

The transfer of pollen from male anthers to female stigmas.

Fertilization

The fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote.

Outbreeding

Mating with individuals from different genetic backgrounds to increase genetic diversity.

Inbreeding

Mating between closely related individuals, which can lead to genetic problems.

Seed dispersal

The mechanism by which seeds are spread away from the parent plant.

Pollinators

Animals that facilitate the transfer of pollen, such as bees and butterflies.

Adaptive traits

Characteristics that enhance survival and reproduction in a given environment.

Flower structure

The arrangement of reproductive parts in angiosperms, including sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels.

Stamen

The male reproductive part of a flower, consisting of an anther and filament.

Carpel

The female reproductive part of a flower, containing the ovary, style, and stigma.

Embryo

An early stage of development in a fertilized egg.

Seed

A structure that contains a developing plant and food supply, surrounded by a protective coat.

Pollen

Fine powder that contains the male gametes of seed plants.

Genetic diversity

The total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species.

Fungi

A kingdom of mostly multicellular organisms that decompose organic material.

Adaptation

A trait that increases the fitness of an organism in its environment.

Roots

Plant organs that anchor the plant and absorb water and nutrients.

Stems

Structures that support leaves and transport substances between roots and leaves.

Leaves

Plant organs that are primary sites for photosynthesis.

Thorns

Sharp, pointed structures on plants that serve as a defense against herbivores.

Bracts

Modified leaves that are often found at the base of flowers or flower clusters.

Fruits

Mature ovaries of flowering plants that contain seeds.

Cones

Reproductive structures in gymnosperms.

Nitrogenous compounds

Molecules that contain nitrogen and are essential for plant growth.

Sap

Fluid that circulates through the vascular system of plants, mainly consisting of water and nutrients.

Trophic levels

The hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, defined by how organisms obtain energy.

Plant hormones

Chemical messengers involved in regulating plant growth and development.

Pollinator deception

A strategy by some plants to mimic the appearance or scent of potential mates to attract pollinators.

Ephemeral plants

Plants that have short life cycles and complete their lifecycle within a brief time frame.

Fertilization process

The sequence of events that occur after pollen reaches the stigma and leads to the formation of a zygote.

Vascular tissue

Specialized tissue in plants responsible for transporting water, nutrients, and food.

Ancestral protist

The hypothetical common ancestor of all eukaryotic organisms.

Ecosystem engineers

Species that create, modify, or maintain habitats, influencing the structure of ecological communities.