Chapter 35: Plant Structure, Growth, and Development

What are the three levels of plant body organization?

Cells, Tissues, Organs.

What is the main function of root hairs?

To increase surface area for absorption of water and minerals.

What type of root system is characterized by many lateral roots and a main vertical root?

Taproot system.

What type of plants typically have a fibrous root system?

Monocots, such as grasses.

What are the two main functions of the shoot system in plants?

Reproduction and photosynthesis.

What are the differences between monocot and eudicot leaves in terms of venation?

Monocots have parallel veins, while eudicots have netlike veins.

What type of plant cells are involved with photosynthesis and storage?

Parenchyma cells.

What is the main distinguishing feature of sclerenchyma cells?

They are support cells that are dead at maturity and have thick lignified walls.

What is the role of the vascular tissue in plants?

To conduct water (xylem) and nutrients (phloem) throughout the plant.

What defines primary growth in plants?

Growth that occurs at the tips of roots and shoots, leading to an increase in length.

What is the main difference between annuals and perennials?

Annuals complete their life cycle in one year, while perennials can live indefinitely.

What are the two types of meristems responsible for plant growth?

Apical meristems for primary growth and lateral meristems for secondary growth.

What is the function of stomata in leaves?

To allow air to reach photosynthetic ground tissue.

What three important developmental processes control plant development?

Growth, Morphogenesis, Differentiation.

Why is Arabidopsis considered a model laboratory plant?

It has a whole genome sequence and is used to learn about the functions of different genes.

What is the function of xylem in plants?

To transport water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.

What is the function of phloem in plants?

To transport food (sugars) produced by photosynthesis from the leaves to other parts of the plant.

What are guard cells and their function?

Specialized cells that regulate the opening and closing of stomata to control gas exchange.

What role do auxins play in plant growth?

Auxins are hormones that promote elongation of plant cells and are involved in regulating growth direction.

What is transpiration in plants?

The process of water vapor loss from plant leaves through stomata.

What is the purpose of chloroplasts in plant cells?

Chloroplasts are organelles that conduct photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.

What is a meristem?

A region in plants that contains undifferentiated cells capable of continuous growth.

What is the difference between determinate and indeterminate growth in plants?

Determinate growth stops after reaching a certain size, while indeterminate growth continues throughout the life of the plant.