Introduction to Plant Biology

Flashcards summarizing key concepts from the lecture on plant biology.

What is the primary energy source for plants during photosynthesis?

Sunlight is the primary energy source for plants during photosynthesis.

Define autotrophs in the context of plants.

Autotrophs are organisms that can form nutritional organic substances from simple inorganic substances like carbon dioxide.

What do plants release as a waste product during photosynthesis?

Plants release oxygen gas (O2) as a waste product during photosynthesis.

What is the role of stomata in plants?

Stomata are pores that allow plants to exchange gases with the atmosphere.

How do cuticles benefit plants in dry habitats?

Cuticles minimize water loss by providing a waxy coating.

What are the two types of vascular tissue in plants?

The two types of vascular tissue are xylem and phloem.

What is the function of xylem in vascular plants?

Xylem transports water and dissolved minerals from the roots.

Describe the alternation of generations in plants.

It's a life cycle where the multicellular diploid stage alternates with a multicellular haploid stage.

What do angiosperms produce for reproduction?

Angiosperms produce flowers and fruits for reproduction.

What major group of plants includes mosses and liverworts?

Bryophytes.

What are the three phyla of bryophytes?

Liverworts, hornworts, and mosses.

What is the primary characteristic of gymnosperms?

Gymnosperms are seed plants that bear their seeds naked, not enclosed in fruits.

Define double fertilization in angiosperms.

Double fertilization is when one sperm nucleus fertilizes an egg to form an embryo, and a second sperm fertilizes a central cell to form the endosperm.

What is endosperm's role in seed plants?

Endosperm supplies nutrients to the germinating seedling.

What distinguishes monocots from eudicots?

Monocots have a single cotyledon while eudicots have two cotyledons.

What do cones in gymnosperms produce?

Cones produce reproductive structures, including ovules and pollen.