Transpiration, Transport and Nutrition in Plants

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to plant transpiration, transport, and nutrition, facilitating understanding of essential biological processes in plants.

Transpiration

The process of water movement through a plant, from roots to leaves, where it evaporates into the atmosphere.

Xylem

The vascular tissue in plants that transports water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.

Phloem

The vascular tissue in plants that transports sugars and other metabolic products downward from the leaves.

Guard cells

Specialized cells that control the opening and closing of stomata, regulating gas exchange and transpiration in plants.

Stomata

Tiny openings on the surfaces of leaves that allow for gas exchange; regulated by guard cells.

Cohesion

The attraction between water molecules that helps facilitate the upward movement of water in xylem.

Adhesion

The attraction of water molecules to the walls of xylem cells that assists in water transport.

Nitrogen fixation

The process by which certain bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3), making it available to plants.

Mycorrhizae

Symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots that enhance nutrient and water absorption capabilities.

Macronutrients

Essential nutrients required by plants in larger amounts, including carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and magnesium.

Micronutrients

Essential nutrients required by plants in smaller amounts, including iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, chlorine, and nickel.

Casparian strip

A band of cell wall material in the endodermis that blocks passive flow of substances into the vascular cylinder of roots.

Sieve-tube elements

The main conducting cells in phloem that transport sugars and other solutes throughout the plant.

Pressure flow mechanism

The method by which phloem sap moves from source to sink driven by osmotic pressure differences.