Plant Biology

Flashcards for Plant Biology Exam

Plant Conservation

Deliberate efforts made to protect, preserve, and restore plant species and their habitats.

Goal of Plant Conservation

The goal of plant conservation is to maintain healthy ecosystems, safeguard genetic diversity, and ensure the sustainable use of plant resources for present and future generations.

Photosynthesis

Plants produce oxygen through this process.

Carbon Sequestration

Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping mitigate climate change.

Soil Erosion

Plant roots help prevent this environmental issue.

Transpiration

Plants absorb and release water through this process, influencing rainfall patterns.

Pollination

Bees, butterflies, and birds contribute to this reproductive process.

Ex Situ Conservation

Preservation and protection of biological diversity outside its natural habitat.

Captive Breeding Programs

Maintaining populations of endangered species in captivity for breeding and management.

Seed Banks and Germplasm Conservation

Storing genetic material from a wide range of plant species.

Botanical Gardens and Arboreta

Maintaining living collections of plants, including rare and endangered species for research, education, and public awareness.

Cryopreservation

A specialized technique used to preserve biological material at extremely low temperatures.

In Situ Conservation

Preservation and protection of biological diversity within its natural habitat.

Protected Areas and Reserves

Areas designated to conserve natural habitats, ecosystems, and wildlife.

Habitat Restoration and Management

Activities aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems and improving habitat quality.

Community-Based Conservation

Initiatives involving collaboration with local communities in conservation decision-making.

Legislation and Policy

Legal frameworks aimed at protecting plant biodiversity.

Germination

Temperature affects the rate of this seed process.

Photoperiodism

Day length influences the timing of seasonal events such as flowering.

Biological Control

Involves use of natural enemies to suppress pest populations.

Pest Management

Strategies and techniques to prevent, suppress, or mitigate pest damage.

Meristematic Tissues

Regions of actively dividing cells in plants responsible for primary and secondary growth.

Apical Meristem

Found at the tips of roots and shoots; responsible for lengthening.

Lateral Meristem (Cambium)

Found in the vascular tissue of stems and roots; is responsible for increasing the diameter of stems and roots.

Permanent Tissues

Groups of cells in plants that have stopped dividing and have undergone differentiation to perform specific functions.

Parenchyma Tissue

Living, thin-walled cells with large central vacuoles; are involved in photosynthesis and storage.

Collenchyma Tissue

Elongated cells with unevenly thickened primary cell walls; provide flexible support.

Sclerenchyma Tissue

Dead at maturity with thick, lignified secondary cell walls; provide mechanical support.

Dermal Tissues

Outermost layer of plant organs; a protective barrier against physical damage, pathogens, and water loss.

Epidermal Cells

Main cell type in the dermal tissue, tightly packed and form a continuous layer.

Cuticle

A waxy layer secreted by the epidermal cells, helps reduce water loss.

Stomata

Small pores found in the epidermis, regulate gas exchange and water vapor loss.

Trichomes

Hair-like structures protruding from the epidermal surface; provide shade.

Vascular Tissues

Essential components of plants, responsible for transporting water, minerals, and nutrients.

Xylem

Primarily responsible for transporting water and minerals from the roots.

Tracheids

Long, tapered cells with overlapping ends that allow water to move through pits.

Vessel Elements

Wider, shorter cells found in angiosperms that facilitate the rapid movement of water.

Phloem

Responsible for transporting organic nutrients.

Sieve Tube Elements

Elongated cells that form the main conduits for transporting nutrients.

Companion Cells

Associated with a sieve tube element, provides metabolic support.