Diversity of Plant-like Protists and Seed Plants

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the diversity of plant-like protists and seed plants, based on lecture notes.

SAR Clade

A highly diverse group of protists named for Stramenopiles, Alveolates, and Rhizarians.

Diatoms

Unicellular algae with a unique two-part, glass-like wall made of silicon dioxide.

Phytoplankton

A major component of the ocean ecosystem, primarily composed of single-celled algae such as diatoms.

Alternation of Generations

A life cycle in plants that includes a multicellular haploid stage and a multicellular diploid stage.

Heteromorphic Generations

Generational forms that are structurally different from each other in their life cycle.

Isomorphic Generations

Generational forms that look similar in their life cycle.

Alveolates

A group of protists characterized by alveoli beneath the plasma membrane, including dinoflagellates.

Lichens

Symbiotic associations between a photosynthetic microorganism (alga or cyanobacteria) and a fungus.

Sphagnum

A type of moss that forms extensive deposits known as peat, which can retain nitrogen and acidify soil.

Bryophytes

Non-vascular plants commonly known as mosses, with a dominant gametophytic phase.

Gametophyte

The haploid structure that produces gametes in the plant lifecycle.

Sporophyte

The multicellular diploid form of a plant body that produces spores.

Angiosperms

Seed plants with reproductive structures known as flowers and fruits.

Gymnosperms

Seed plants that produce 'naked seeds' not encased in an ovary.

Pollination

The transfer of pollen to the part of a plant that contains ovules.

Double Fertilization

A process in angiosperms where one sperm fertilizes the egg, and another sperm combines with two nuclei to form the endosperm.

Megasporangium

The structure in plants that produces megaspores, leading to the female gametophyte.

Microsporangium

The structure in plants that produces microspores, leading to the male gametophyte.

Endosperm

The triploid tissue that nourishes the developing embryo in flowering plants.