Protists and Seedless Plants

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding protists and seedless plants, appropriate for exam preparation.

Protists

Eukaryotic microorganisms, which can be single-celled or multicellular and are unable to be classified as plants, fungi, or animals.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and other organelles enclosed within membranes.

Asexual reproduction

A mode of reproduction that does not involve the fusion of gametes, resulting in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food from inorganic substances, using light or chemical energy.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that cannot produce their own food and rely on consuming other organisms for nourishment.

Microscopic

Too small to be seen by the naked eye and typically requiring a microscope for observation.

Ecological importance of protists

Protists play critical roles in ecosystems, including oxygen production, nutrient cycling, and being a food source for other organisms.

Algae

A diverse group of aquatic organisms capable of photosynthesis, often classified as protists.

Modes of transport for protists

Three main methods of movement: pseudopodia (extensions of the cell), flagella (tail-like structures), and cilia (tiny hair-like structures).

Plants definition

Multicellular, photosynthetic organisms that belong to the kingdom Plantae.

Alteration of generations

The process in which plants alternate between a haploid gametophyte stage and a diploid sporophyte stage.

Haploid

A stage in which organisms have one complete set of chromosomes (n).

Diploid

A stage in which organisms have two complete sets of chromosomes (2n).

Vascular plants

Plants that have specialized structures (xylem and phloem) for transporting water and nutrients.

Non-vascular plants

Plants that lack specialized tissues for water and nutrient transport and rely on diffusion.

Sporophyte dominant

A life cycle phase where the sporophyte stage is more prominent than the gametophyte stage.

Gametophyte dominant

A life cycle phase where the gametophyte stage is more prominent than the sporophyte stage.