Plant Science and Physiology Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering plant health, processes, areas of plant science, structural classifications, and specialized plant parts based on lecture notes.

Nitrogen ($N$)

A major plant nutrient required for vegetative plant growth.

Phosphorus ($P$)

A major plant nutrient required for root growth and germination.

Potassium ($K$)

A major plant nutrient that functions similarly to nitrogen in supporting overall plant health.

Chlorosis

The yellowing of leaves, which commonly indicates plant nutrient deficiencies.

Native Plants

Plants that have adapted over many years to survive in a specific regional climate.

Xeriscape

A landscaping practice that utilizes xerophytic plants requiring very little water.

Hydroponics

The practice of growing crops in nutrient-rich water using mechanical structures.

Organic Growing

Growing plants without using synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.

Permaculture

Land management and settlement design that mimics naturally flourishing ecosystems.

Regenerative Agriculture

Agricultural practices focused on increasing soil fertility and structure.

Photosynthesis

The process occurring in chloroplasts where chlorophyll converts sunlight heat energy and $CO_2$ into chemical energy and food sugars.

Respiration

The cellular process where living cells require oxygen to break down sugars into usable energy, represented as $CH_2O$.

Transpiration

The process where plants lose moisture through their leaves, creating suction in the xylem to draw water up from the ground.

Phototropism

A plant's tendency to move or grow toward the sun.

Gravitropism

A plant's growth reaction to gravity, also referred to as geotropism.

Thigmotropism

A plant's growth response that allows it to react to touch.

Thermotropism

A plant's growth reaction to heat or cold.

Hydrotropism

A growth response that helps plant roots grow toward sources of water.

Diurnal Effect

The phenomenon where variations in temperature and light affect plant growth and activity, such as cold nights and warm days yielding sweeter fruit.

Horticulture

The general science and practice of growing domesticated plants.

Botany

The scientific study of plant anatomy and physiology.

Agronomy

The science of agricultural crop production and plant products.

Floriculture

A branch of ornamental horticulture focused specifically on flower production.

Pomology

The branch of horticulture dedicated to the production of fruit.

Olericulture

The branch of horticulture dedicated to the production of vegetables.

Entomology

The scientific study of insects.

Annual Plant

A plant that completes its entire life cycle in one year or less.

Biennial Plant

A plant that grows for two years before sexually reproducing.

Perennial Plant

A plant that grows back year after year from a dormant plant structure.

Plant Hardiness

A plant's ability to withstand environmental stress such as frost, wind, and heat.

Legumes

High-protein plants with root nodules containing Rhizobium bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms and enrich the soil.

Monocotyledonous (Monocot)

Plants characterized by thin leaves with parallel veins, fibrous root systems, bundled vascular stem tubes, and seeds that protrude one leaf.

Dicotyledonous (Dicot)

Plants characterized by broad leaves with branched veins, taproot systems, vascular tubes arranged in rings, and seeds with two parts.

2,4-D

A selective chemical herbicide that kills broadleaf weeds without harming monocot crops like corn and wheat.

Xylem

Vascular tissue in the stem that transports water and minerals upward to the leaves.

Phloem

Vascular tissue in the stem that transports manufactured sugars downward to the roots.

Cambium

The protective layer located within the stem of a plant.

Stolon

A specialized stem running horizontally on the ground surface, also known as a runner.

Tuber

A specialized underground stem, such as a potato, that serves as a storage organ for carbohydrates.

Fibrous Root System

A root system composed of many small root hairs that stabilizes soil and prevents erosion.

Taproot System

A root system consisting of a long central root with smaller extending root hairs that helps reduce soil compaction and increase aeration.