Plant Biology and Anatomy Practice

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering plant anatomy, vascular systems, photosynthesis, and reproductive structures based on lecture notes.

True Plants

Multicellular, eukaryotic organisms with cellulose in rigid cell walls, undergoes photosynthesis

Fungi

Eukaryotic heterotrophs that lack chlorophyll, have cell walls made of chitin, and store energy as glycogen.

Protists

Microscopic, unicellular eukaryotic organisms that do not belong to the animal, plant, or fungus kingdoms.

Algae

photosynthetic organisms that lack true roots, stems, leaves, and specialized reproductive structures.

Lichen

A symbiotic association consisting of fungi and either algae or cyanobacteria.

11 Levels of Organization

The sequence of biological hierarchy: atoms, molecule, cell, tissue, organ, body system, organism, population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere.

Shoot System

The above-ground part of a plant consisting of the stem, leaves, and reproductive features, which provides manufactured carbohydrates.

Root System

The below-ground portion of a plant used for anchoring and subterranean absorption of water and mineral solutes.

Xylem

Vascular tissue that transports water and minerals upwards from the roots through the plant body.

Phloem

Two-way vascular tissue containing sieve plates that transports food and photosynthetic products from a source to a sink.

Source

A part of the plant where sugars are produced or stored, such as mature leaves.

Sink

where energy is needed or stored, such as roots

Vascular Bundle

A strand within the plant body containing both xylem and phloem cells.

Annuals

Plants that complete their entire life cycle within one year.

Perennials

Plants that live for multiple years.

Epidermis

The outermost, tightly packed protective layer of plant cells that blocks harmful agents.

Cuticle

A waxy, water-repellent film on the upper and underside of leaves that traps moisture and can block gas exchange.

Central Vacuole

A large, fluid-filled space occupying $90\%$ of the cell that stores water, food, and waste while maintaining turgor pressure.

Palisade Mesophyll

Rows of long cells under the upper epidermis that are packed with chloroplasts

Spongy Mesophyll

Loosely packed cells below the palisade layer that allow air and water vapor to move through the leaf.

Stomata

Microscopic pores on the underside of leaves that act as gateways for gas exchange ($CO_2$ in, $O_2$ out).

Guard Cells

Specialized epidermal cells that control the opening and closing of a stoma by becoming turgid when they intake water.

Haploid

A cell or organism containing one set of unpaired chromosomes.

Angiosperms

Plants with a vegetative body (roots, stems, leaves) and reproductive structures that produce flowers and fruits.

Non-vascular Plants

True plants that lack roots and shoots, moving moisture and minerals via osmosis and diffusion; they require water for reproduction.

Gametophyte Generation

The sexual phase of the plant life cycle with haploid gametes

Sporophyte Generation

The asexual phase of the plant life cycle where the plant has two sets of chromosomes and follows the fusion of gametes.

Cell Wall

A structure made of cellulose that provides support and protection to the plant cell.

Transpiration Pull

The process where water evaporation from leaves creates tension in the xylem, pulling water upward from the roots.

Photosynthesis Equation

$$6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{light} \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$$

Light-dependent Reactions

Occur in the thylakoid; require light to split $H_2O$, release $O_2$, and produce ATP and NADPH.

Calvin Cycle

Occurs in the stroma; uses $CO_2$, ATP, and NADPH to build sugars.

Cellular Respiration Equation

$$C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + ATP$$

Stamen

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

Pistil/Carpel

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

Seed

The structure formed from the matured ovule after fertilization.

Fruit

The structure formed from the matured ovary after fertilization.

Monocot

A plant with one cotyledon, parallel leaf veins, flower parts in multiples of 3, and scattered vascular bundles.

Eudicot

A plant with two cotyledons, netted leaf veins, flower parts in multiples of 4 or 5, and vascular bundles arranged in a ring.

Gymnosperm

Vascular plants that produce seeds but do not produce flowers.

Photoropism

Plant growth in response to light.

Gravitropism

Plant growth in response to gravity.