Archaeplastida

plankton

diverse group of mostly microscopic organisms that drift in marine and freshwater systems and serve as a food source for larger aquatic organisms

plastid

one of a group of related organelles in plant cells that are involved in the storage of starches, fats, proteins, and pigments

Polypodiopsida (ferns)

seedless vascular plant that produces large fronds; the most advanced group of seedless vascular plants

heterosporous

produces two types of spores

homosporous

produces one type of spore

lignin

complex polymer impermeable in water

Bryophyta (mosses)

group of bryophytes in which a primitive conductive system appears

non-vascular plant

plant that lacks vascular tissue, which is formed of specialized cells for the transport of water and nutrients

phloem

tissue responsible for transport of sugars, proteins, and other solutes

rhizoids

thin filaments that anchor mosses to the substrate

vascular plant

plant containing a network of cells that conducts water and solutes through the organism

xylem

tissue responsible for long-distance transport of water and nutrients

phycoerythrin

a pigment that exists in red algae, absorbs blue and green wavelengths and reflect red wavelengths

ecosystem service

benefits that humans derive, directly or indirectly, from ecosystem functions

cuticle

watertight sealant that prevents water loss

stoma

pores that can open and close and control gas exchange

flavonoids

UV absorbing compounds that prevent DNA damage (sunscreen for plants)

apical meristems

undifferentiated cells that proliferate throughout life

sporophyte

multicellular and diploid, produce spore by meiosis

gametophyte

multicellular and haploid, produce gametes by mitosis

tracheid

secondary cell walls supported by complex polymer lignin, a type of vascular tissue

vessel elements

another type of vascular tissue that is wider, with gaps for more efficient water movement

fronds

large leaves, coiled into fiddleheads when they are young

sori

clusters on the underside of fern leaves

seed

provides protection, nourishment, and potential of dormancy for embryo

pollen

male spores, protective coating resistant to desiccation

ovules

female spores

flower

reproductive organ; includes sepal, petal, stamen (male), and carpel (female)

fruit

derived from the ovary, tissue surrounding seeds, aids in seed dispersal, produced by certain species