Plant Tissues and Functions

Flashcards covering key vocabulary regarding plant tissues and their functions.

Meristematic Tissue

Cells that rapidly divide and produce growth in plants.

Dermal Tissue

Cells that protect the outer layer of the plant and produce a waxy cuticle.

Ground Tissue

Internal non-vascular tissues specialized for storage, support, and photosynthesis.

Vascular Tissue

Cells that transport water and other substances among the cells.

Xylem

Carries water from roots to leaves and dissolved materials to plant cells, made up of dead cells.

Phloem

Transports sugars from leaves to roots, composed of living tissues.

Stomata

Pores through which carbon dioxide and oxygen are exchanged.

Guard Cells

Cells that regulate the opening and closing of the stomata.

Monocots

Plants with parallel venation of vascular tissue.

Dicots

Plants with branched venation of vascular tissue.

Taproot System

A root system with a dominant primary root, such as in carrots.

Fibrous Root System

A root system where the primary root disintegrates and is replaced by secondary roots.

Bark

Composed of all layers outside the vascular cambium; removing it can kill the tree.

Heartwood

The core of the stem that provides support for the tree.

Sapwood

Conducts movement of water and minerals, located between cambium and heartwood.

Annuals

Plants that complete their life cycle in one year.

Perennials

Plants that grow and reproduce repeatedly for many years.

Allelopathy

Chemicals released into the environment that affect the growth of neighboring plants.