Flowering Plant Form & Function

What is the difference between primary and secondary plant growth?

Primary growth increases length, while secondary growth increases width.

What is the difference between simple and complex plant tissues?

Simple tissue consists of one cell type, whereas complex tissue is multicellular.

What are the transport differences between xylem and phloem?

Xylem transports water and nutrients only vertically, while phloem transports sugar in both directions.

What is the difference in cell arrangement between palisade and spongy mesophyll?

Palisade mesophyll consists of compact, barrel-shaped cells, whereas spongy mesophyll consists of loosely arranged cells.

What is the structural difference between tap roots and fibrous roots?

Tap roots feature one thick main root associated with dicots, while fibrous roots feature many branching roots associated with monocots.

What are the four root zones and their respective functions?

1. Root cap (protective, pushes through soil), 2. Region of cell division (constantly divides via mitosis), 3. Region of elongation (cells stretch out, pushing the root deeper), and 4. Region of maturation (cells develop into specialized types like root hairs).

What are the structural sources or functions of spines, thorns, and prickles?

Spines reduce surface area and protect from herbivory, thorns are modified stems from woody plants, and prickles are outgrowths from the epidermis.

What are the functions of window leaves and insect-trapping leaves?

Window leaves are transparent leaves that allow for greater sunlight capture, while insect-trapping leaves capture prey.

What are eight specialized root functions?

Food storage, water storage, propagative roots (new plant growth), pneumatophores (enable gas exchange), aerial roots (provide support and prevent water loss), contractile roots (pull the plant into the soil more each year), buttress roots (help with stability), and parasitic roots (leach onto other plants).

Apical Meristem

The region of active growth.

Vascular Cambium

Secondary tissue for support and conduction.

Cork Cambium

Secondary growth tissue replacing the epidermis.

Parenchyma

Plant tissue with thin, pliable cell walls that forms the edible part of fruit.

Collenchyma

Plant tissue with thicker cell walls for structural support.

Sclerenchyma

Plant tissue with very thick cell walls that is dead at maturity.

Sclereid

Stone cells that provide the hardness of nut shells.

Fiber

Plant cells much longer than wide, resembling rope.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of young plants.

Periderm

Outer bark cells.

Cuticle

The protective waxy layer on leaves.

Lenticel

Pockets of tissue allowing gas exchange in bark.