Plant Systems and Photosynthesis Review

These vocabulary flashcards cover the external and internal structures of plant roots, stems, and leaves, as well as the process of photosynthesis and essential mineral requirements.

Root System

The underground part of the plant that anchors it in the soil and absorbs water and minerals.

Root Cap

The structure that protects the apical meristem and plays a role in the downward growth of the root in soil.

Apical Meristem

The tissue present behind the root cap that produces new root cells that elongate the root.

Zone of Elongation

The area where new root cells produced by the apical meristem undergo lengthening.

Zone of Maturation

The region where root hairs form and absorb water and mineral nutrients from the soil.

Epidermis (Root)

The outer layer of the root that bears root hairs to increase surface area for absorption.

Cortex (Root)

The layer below the epidermis consisting of large and thin-walled cells.

Endodermis

The innermost layer of the cortex only present in roots; it controls the movement of absorbed materials.

Xylem

Conducting tissue responsible for carrying water and minerals from the roots to the leaves.

Phloem

Conducting tissue responsible for transporting food (sugars) to different parts of the plant.

Shoot System

The part of the plant that grows above the soil, consisting of the stem, leaves, flowers, and buds.

Stem

The part of the shoot system that provides support, holds leaves and buds, and connects roots to leaves for transport.

Node

The particular point on the stem from where leaves grow.

Internode

The point on the stem located between two nodes.

Epidermis (Stem)

A single layer of cells covering the stem that protects underlying parts.

Cambium

A layer of cells located between the xylem and phloem in the stem.

Petiole

The stalk-like part that joins a leaf to the stem.

Leaf Lamina

The leaf blade that consists of the midrib and veins.

Stomata

Openings in the lower epidermis of a leaf through which the exchange of gases takes place.

Guard Cells

Two cells covering each stoma that regulate its opening and closing; they are the only epidermal cells containing chloroplasts.

Mesophyll

Layers of cells below the epidermis containing many chloroplasts where photosynthesis occurs.

Vascular Bundle

Structures in leaves consisting of xylem and phloem, often forming the veins spread through the mesophyll.

Photosynthesis

The process of making glucose from carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll, represented by $6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$.

Chlorophyll

The green pigment in chloroplasts that traps light energy and converts it to chemical energy during photosynthesis.

Nitrogen

A major component of proteins, nucleic acids, and chlorophyll, which plants absorb as nitrates through roots for healthy growth.

Magnesium

A structural component of chlorophyll necessary for producing carbohydrates and sugar; deficiency causes yellowing and wilting of leaves.