Plant Biology Overview

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to plant biology, including photosynthesis, plant tissues, reproduction methods, and growth patterns.

Chlorophyll

A chemical that plants use to absorb light for photosynthesis.

Meristematic cells

Unspecialized cells in plants that can differentiate into specialized tissue types.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using light energy.

Stomata

Openings in the leaf that allow carbon dioxide to enter and oxygen to exit, controlled by guard cells.

Guard cells

Epidermal cells that control the opening and closing of stomata to regulate water loss and gas exchange.

Xylem

Vascular tissue that transports water and minerals from the roots upward.

Phloem

Vascular tissue that transports sugars and nutrients throughout the plant.

Cuticle

A waxy layer on epidermal leaf cells that makes the leaf surface waterproof.

Apical meristem

Meristematic tissue located at the tips of roots and shoots, responsible for lengthening growth.

Lateral meristem

Meristematic tissue found around the stems and roots of woody plants, responsible for increasing width.

Vegetative reproduction

A form of asexual reproduction in plants where new plants grow from parts of the parent plant.

Tissue culture propagation

A method of cloning plants by growing cells in a controlled environment, producing new plants.

Callus

A mass of undifferentiated cells that forms during tissue culture propagation.

Ground tissue

A type of plant tissue that acts as filler and performs functions such as storage and photosynthesis.

Bark

The outer protective covering of tree stems, composed of phloem and cork.

Cellular respiration

The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and energy (ATP).