Plant Anatomy and Physiology

These flashcards cover essential plant anatomy and physiology terms, providing definitions to aid in understanding key concepts.

Phloem

The vascular tissue in plants responsible for the conduction of sugars and other metabolic products downwards from the leaves.

Meristem

A region in plants that contains undifferentiated cells capable of division and growth.

Taproot System

A root system characterized by one main root with smaller lateral roots branching off.

Fibrous Root System

A root system consisting of multiple roots of similar size that arise from the base of the stem.

Procambium

The meristematic tissue that differentiates into the vascular tissues xylem and phloem.

Endodermis

The innermost layer of the cortex in roots, controlling the flow of water and nutrients into the vascular system.

Casparian Strip

A band of suberin in the endodermis that forces water to enter the cells rather than passing through spaces between them.

Transpiration

The process of water vapor exiting a plant through stomata in the leaves.

Xylem

The vascular tissue responsible for the transport of water and dissolved minerals from roots to other parts of the plant.

Symplast

The network of cytoplasm interconnected by plasmodesmata that enables transport of substances between plant cells.

Apoplast

The pathway through which water and solutes move through the plant cell walls and intercellular spaces.

Nodule

A small swelling on the root of a leguminous plant where nitrogen-fixing bacteria live, aiding in nitrogen fixation.

Guard Cells

Specialized cells that flank the stomata and regulate their opening and closing to control gas exchange.

Companion Cells

Phloem cells that assist in the transport of nutrients and the maintenance of the sieve-tube elements.

Translocation

The process of transporting sugars and nutrients in the phloem from source to sink.

Macronutrients

Nutrients required by plants in larger amounts, essential for growth and development.

Micronutrients

Essential nutrients needed by plants in smaller amounts that are crucial for various physiological functions.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.

Stomata

Small openings on the surface of leaves that allow for gas exchange between the plant and its environment.

Bulb

An underground storage organ in certain plants, composed of a short stem surrounded by fleshy leaves.