Chapter 35. Vascular Plant Structure, Growth, and Development

**Cell**

Smallest unit that can sustain itself and makes up all living organisms

**Tissue**

Collection of cells with a similar purpose

**Organ**

Collection of similar tissues with a specific purpose

**Root systems**

System that anchors the plant into the ground and assist with water and nutrient absorption

**Shoot systems**

System of the plant that is above ground participates in water and nutrient transportation and photosynthesis

**Primary root**

First root of a plant, originates from seed

**Lateral roots**

Roots that extend horizontally from the primary root

**Taproots**

The main root of a primary root system; grows downward

**Root hairs**

Thin finger like extensions of root epidermal cells, form mycorrhizal associations

**Mycorrhizae**

Symbiotic relationship of a fungus and plant roots; different kinds

**Stem**

Bears leaves and buds, elongates plant and allows for reach to sunlight

**Nodes**

Where leaves are attached

**Internodes**

Segments between nodes

**Apical bud**

Bud at the tip of a stem

**Indeterminate growth**

Growth that occurs continually

**Determinate growth**

Growth that eventually stops; has a limit

**Meristems**

Plant tissue that stays embryonic throughout the plant's life

**Apical meristems**

Localized regions of cell division at the tips of roots and shoots, allows for continual plant growth

**Lateral meristems**

Meristem tissue that thickens roots, shoots, and woody plants

**Secondary growth**

Growth in thickness

**Vascular cambium**

Form of lateral meristem that adds secondary xylem and phloem, forms rings

**Cork cambium**

Form of lateral meristem that replaces epidermis with thick tough waxy cells

**Axillary bud**

Found in area between leave and stem, branch

**Leaves**

Main photosynthetic organ of vascular plants

**Blade**

The main part of the leaf; performs photosynthesis

**Petiole**

Stalk that joins the leaf to the stem at the node

**Veins**

Make up the vascular tissue of plants

**Tendrils**

Modified leaves that curl to support and/or attach the plant to other things

**Spines**

Modified leaves that are often sharp; protect plant and help to survive hot/dry climates

**Reproductive leaves**

Modified leaves that can detach from host plant and grow a new plant

**Tissue system**

Collections of tissues that individual perform separate functions but work together for one common goal

**Dermal tissue**

Outer protective coating of plants; acts similar to our skin

**Vascular tissue**

Plant tissue that transport water and nutrients and offers mechanical support

**Ground tissue**

Plant tissue that is neither dermal or vascular

**Cuticle**

Waterproof coverings on the surface of plants

**Primary meristems**

Meristems that is responsible for primary growth

**Protoderm**

Derivative of apical meristem that grows dermal tissue

**Ground meristem**

The meristem that produces ground tissue

**Procambium**

Derivative of apical meristem that grows vascular tissue

**Root cap**

Cone of cells at the tip of apical meristem that serves as protection

**Primary growth zone**

Growth located at the roots and stems of plants

**Apical dominance**

The tendency for growth to become more concentrated at the tip of the plant shoot

**Guard cells**

Cell that opens and closes the stomata

**Trichomes**

Hair like outgrowth on plant shoot

**Xylem**

Form of vascular tissue that only transports water and dissolved material up the plant

**Phloem**

Carries sugars, amino acids, and other organic products in vascular plants, 2 way flow

**Pith**

Form of ground tissue found in the center of plants, offer supports and starch storage

**Cortex**

Form of ground tissue found towards the outside of the plant

**Multicellular**

Consisting of multiple cells

**Cell differentiation**

Cells tendency to specialize for different needs

**Parenchyma cells**

Specialized ground tissue cell use primarily for food storage and contains large vacuoles

**Collenchyma cells**

Specialized plant cell that consist of thicker cell walls and is utilized for support in new growth, cell walls have an uneven thickness

**Sclerenchyma cells**

Specialized plant cell that acts as secondary cell walls; very thick and contains lignin, occurs in area of stopped growth

**Lignin**

Organic polymer that is utilized in plant structure and walls

**Leaf primordium**

Where leaves develop from

**Stomata**

Specialized pores of plants that allow for gas and water exchange

**Mesophyll**

Specialized photosynthetic leaf cells

**Dendrochronology**

Analyzing tree rings and thickness of rings to determine age and availability of nutrients each year

**Suberin**

Molecule that functions as a physical barrier, preventing water loss from the tissues it surrounds as well as providing protection against pathogens

**Bark**

All tissues external to vascular cambium, protective tissue of woody plants

Vascular system allows for transportation of nutrients

How do vascular tissues help vascular plants be more successful

Roots allow for anchoring of plant and taller growth

How do root systems help vascular plants be more successful

Taller growth allows for more sunlight, increased photosynthesis

How does taller growth help vascular plants be more successful

Stoma allow for control of water loss and better efficiency of resources

How do stomata help vascular plants be more successful

They allow for continued growth and therefore more access to nutrients

How do meristems help vascular plants