Plant Biology and Fungi Review Flashcards

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts related to plant biology and fungi, designed for effective study and review.

Red Algae

A group of marine seaweeds formerly classified in Kingdom Protista, now included in Kingdom Plantae.

Archaeplastida

A clade that includes red plants and green plants, indicating a common ancestor that engulfed a cyanobacterium.

Rhodophyta

The scientific name for red algae.

Viridiplantae

The scientific name for green plants.

Chloroplast

An organelle in plant cells originating from ancient cyanobacteria, conducting photosynthesis.

Phycobilins

Red pigments in red algae, with phycoerythrin being a prominent example.

Coralline Algae

A type of red algae characterized by a calcium carbonate coating that resembles coral.

Agar

A gelatinous substance derived from red algae, used as a growth medium for bacteria.

Carrageenan

A substance from red algae used as a thickening agent in food and cosmetics.

Photoautotrophs

Organisms that capture solar energy to produce their own food, like green plants.

Chlorophylls

Green pigments in plants that absorb light energy for photosynthesis.

Carotenoids

Yellow-orange pigments in plants that aid in light absorption, especially of green wavelengths.

Cellulose

A structural component of plant cell walls, composed of glucose monomers.

Lignin

A complex organic polymer that strengthens the cell walls of woody plants.

Pectin

A gel-like polysaccharide in non-woody plants that allows flexibility in cell walls.

Starch

A carbohydrate storage polymer made from glucose units in plants.

Glycogen

A carbohydrate storage polymer used by animals and fungi.

Sporophyte

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

Gametophyte

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

Bryophyta

The group of non-vascular plants including mosses.

Diffusion

The passive movement of substances from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Sphagnum

A type of moss that can absorb large amounts of water and plays a significant role in bog ecosystems.

Ecological Carbon Sink

A natural or artificial reservoir that absorbs and stores the carbon-containing chemical compound carbon dioxide.

Lyophyta

A division of vascular plants commonly known as clubmosses.

Gymnosperms

Seed-producing plants that do not form fruits, including conifers.

Cycads

Gymnosperms with a stout trunk and a crown of large, stiff leaves.

Angiosperms

Flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed in fruits.

Pollen

The male gametophyte in seed plants that carries sperm cells.

Basidiomycetes

A group of fungi including mushrooms and shelf fungi, named for their spore-producing structure called basidia.

Ascomycetes

A group of fungi known for producing spores in sac-like structures called asci.

Chitin

A long-chain polymer made from N-acetylglucosamine, found in the cell walls of fungi.

Mycorrhizae

Symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots that enhance nutrient uptake.

Lichens

A symbiotic organism composed of a fungus and an alga, often found in harsh environments.

Hyphae

The filamentous structures that make up the mycelium of fungi.

Dikaryotic

A fungal cell containing two genetically distinct nuclei.

Chytridiomycota

A phylum of fungi that exhibit both flagellated and filamentous stages.

Peat

Accumulated organic matter, primarily from sphagnum moss, that can form in bogs.

Transpiration

The process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts.

Xylem

The vascular tissue responsible for the transport of water and minerals from roots to leaves.

Phloem

The vascular tissue responsible for transporting sugars and nutrients produced by photosynthesis.

Cambium

A layer of tissue in the stem of a plant that produces new cells for growth.

Cuticle

A protective, waxy layer covering the leaves and stems of many plants that reduces water loss.

Sori

Clusters of sporangia on the underside of fern fronds that produce spores.

Rhizome

An underground stem that produces roots and shoots from its nodes.

Flower Parts

Includes stamen (male) and pistil (female), with specialized structures for reproduction.

Fungi Nutrition

Most fungi are saprophytic, breaking down organic matter for nourishment.

Mitosis in Fungi

Unique in fungi, where mitosis occurs inside the nucleus without cell division.

Haploid

A cell containing one complete set of chromosomes.

Diploid

A cell containing two complete sets of chromosomes.

Symbiotic Relationship

An interaction between two different organisms that benefits at least one of them.

Asexual Reproduction

A form of reproduction without the fusion of gametes, often seen in plants like dandelions.

Vascular Plants

Plants with tissues (xylem and phloem) that conduct water and nutrients.

Alternation of Generations

The life cycle of plants that alternates between haploid gametophyte and diploid sporophyte stages.

Evolutionary Fossils

Fossils that signify significant evolutionary milestones like the emergence of the first land plants.

Carnivorous Plants

Plants that derive some or most of their nutrients from trapping and consuming animals.

Nectar

A sugary fluid secreted by flowers to attract pollinators.

Seed Dormancy

A state in which seeds remain viable without germinating until conditions are favorable.

Mutualism

A type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit.

Biochemical Cycles

Natural pathways by which elements like carbon and nitrogen are recycled in ecosystems.

Forest Ecology

The study of interactions within and between forest ecosystems.

Pollinator

An animal that helps plants reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another.

Entomophily

Pollination by insects.

Water Conservation Adaptations

Special features in plants that help reduce water loss.

Carbon Cycle

The series of processes by which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment.

Peat Bogs

Wetland areas where decomposed plant material accumulates, creating peat.

Floral Morphology

The study of the structure of flowers and their parts.

Stem Functions

Support for leaves and flowers, transport of nutrients and water.

Dispersal Agents

Animals or natural forces that help spread seeds away from the parent plant.

Endosymbiotic Theory

The theory explaining the origin of eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic organisms.

Alteration of Generations Counterpart

Sporophyte and gametophyte phases in plants.

Niche

The role or function of an organism or species within an ecosystem.

Plant Biotechnology

The use of technology in plant research to improve plants.

Plant Evolution

The process through which plant species develop from ancestral species over time.

Genomic Study

The study of genomes, including gene structure, function, and evolution.

Flowing Water Systems

Ecosystems that include rivers and streams, where plants must adapt to moving water.

Tropical Biomes

Ecosystems characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall all year round.

Sustainable Gardening

Gardening practices that promote environmental health and reduce human impact.

Environmental Adaptation

Changes organisms undergo to survive in changing environments.

Endemic Species

Species that are native to a specific geographical area and found nowhere else.

Phenotype

The observable traits and characteristics of an organism.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an organism.

Ruderal Species

Plants that thrive in disturbed habitats and can colonize quickly.

Ecological Restoration

The practice of renewing and restoring degraded, damaged, or destroyed ecosystems.

Native Plant Species

Plants that have evolved naturally in a specific region.

Aquatic Plants

Plants that grow in water or in wet soil.

Pollination Syndromes

Sets of floral traits that attract specific types of pollinators.

Fungal Mycelium

The vegetative part of fungi, consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae.

Symbiotic Interactions

Interactions between different species that are closely associated with each other.

Hydrophytes

Plants adapted to living in very wet conditions, like marshes or shallow water.

Xerophytes

Plants adapted to survive in an environment with little water.

Perennial Plants

Plants that live for more than two years, with the ability to regrow each season.

Epiphytes

Plants that grow on other plants but do not take nutrients from them.

Biomass

The total mass of living matter within a given unit of environmental area.

Allelopathy

The chemical inhibition of one species by another through the release of toxic compounds.

Transgenic Plants

Plants that have been genetically modified to contain DNA from another species.

Diversity Indices

Mathematical measures that reflect how many different species are present in a given area.

Floral Coloration

The color patterns of flowers that attract specific pollinators.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits that humans receive from ecosystems, including services like pollination.