06_PlantDiversity_Sp2025

Ragdoll germination technique

A method used to germinate seeds by wrapping them in a moist paper towel.

Monocot

A type of flowering plant that has one embryonic seed leaf.

Dicot

A type of flowering plant that has two embryonic seed leaves.

Cellulose

A carbohydrate that makes up the cell walls of plants.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.

Alternation of generations

A life cycle pattern in plants that includes both haploid and diploid stages.

Bryophytes

Non-vascular plants that include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts.

Sporophyte

The diploid generation in the plant life cycle that produces spores.

Gametophyte

The haploid generation in the plant life cycle that produces gametes.

Gymnosperms

Seed plants that produce seeds that are not enclosed in an ovary.

Angiosperms

Plants that produce seeds enclosed within a fruit.

Vascular tissue

Plant tissue responsible for transporting water and nutrients.

Cuticle

A protective, waxy layer on the surfaces of plants that prevents water loss.

Meiosis

The process of cell division that produces haploid gametes from diploid cells.

Diploid

A cell or organism containing two sets of chromosomes.

Haploid

A cell or organism containing one set of chromosomes.

Seed dispersal

The movement or transport of seeds away from the parent plant.

Multicellular gametangia

Specialized structures in some plants that produce gametes.

Embryo

The early development stage of a seed after fertilization.

Zygote

The fertilized ovule that develops into an embryo.

Colonization of land

The process by which plants adapted to live on land after evolving from aquatic ancestors.

Photosynthetic pigments

Molecules in plants that absorb light energy for photosynthesis.

Xylem

Vascular tissue that transports water from roots to the rest of the plant.

Phloem

Vascular tissue that transports nutrients from leaves to other parts of the plant.

Stomata

Tiny openings on the surface of leaves that allow for gas exchange.

Transpiration

The process by which water vapor is released from plant leaves into the atmosphere.

Fertilization

The fusion of gametes to form a zygote.

Pollination

The transfer of pollen from the male part of a flower to the female part.

Germination

The process by which a seed develops into a new plant.

Root hairs

Extensions of root cells that increase the surface area for water and nutrient absorption.