exam 1 - medicinal botany

plant cell walls

provide structure and protection to plant cells

composed mainly of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin

play a crucial role in plant growth and development

cellulose microfibril deposition

is the process by which cellulose fibers are synthesized and organized into microfibrils

forms a key component of plant cell walls and influences their mechanical properties

on the outer cell wall

primary cell wall

thinner, not as strong, almost entirely made up of cellulose and pectin

provides flexibility and support during growth

secondary cell wall

thicker, stronger, made up of cellulose and lignin providing additional support and protection

plasmodesmata

channels that are between adjacent cells and allow for rapid communication between cells

middle lamella

the layer that cements adjacent plant cell walls together

primarily composed of pectin

helps plants hold on to water

turgor pressure

the pressure of the fluid inside plant cells against the cell wall

maintains cell rigidity + structure

hypotonic

leads to water entering cells and potentially causing them to swell

plants LOVE this

isotonic

a solution where the concentration of solutes is equal inside and outside the cell

no net movement of water.

hypertonic

cell can shrink

plasmolyze can happen when water leaves the cell

plastids

class of organelles

chloroplasts (a plastid)

have an outer, inner, and thylakoid membrane

thylakoid membrane has chloroplasts

chromoplast (a plastid)

full of pigment molecules (red pepper)

leucoplasts (a plastid)

stores starch

how plants store sugars