Plant Structure and Function: Monocots and Dicots

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to the structure and function of monocots and dicots, as well as other fundamental botanical terms.

Monocot

A type of angiosperm that has one cotyledon in the embryo, parallel leaf veins, and flower petals in multiples of three.

Dicot

A type of angiosperm that has two cotyledons in the embryo, net-like leaf veins, and flower petals in multiples of four or five.

Cotyledon

• first leaf or leaves that appear from a seed

• stores nutrients for the embryo.

Vascular bundles

Structures made of xylem and phloem that conduct water, minerals, and carbohydrates within the plant.

Xylem

Vascular tissue responsible for transporting water and minerals from the roots to the leaves.

Phloem

Vascular tissue responsible for transporting carbohydrates produced during photosynthesis to various parts of the plant.

Taproot system

A root system composed of one large, thick root with smaller lateral roots.

Fibrous root system

A root system consisting of many small roots that tend to be shallower than taproots.

Epidermis

• The outer layer of the root

• protects inner cells

• absorbs water from the soil.

Meristem

- region of plant tissue
- responsible for new cell growth
- contributes to the lengthening of roots and shoots

Guard cells

Specialized cells surrounding the stomata that regulate gas exchange by swelling and contracting.

Stomata

Small openings on the underside of leaves that control gas exchange.

Leaf Function

Leaves use sunlight to create food through photosynthesis and regulate gas exchange.

Cuticle

A waxy layer covering the leaves that prevents water loss.

Mesophyll

The tissue in the interior of the leaf where photosynthesis occurs.

Palisade Layer

A layer of densely packed cells in the leaf where most photosynthesis occurs.

Spongy Layer

A layer of loosely arranged cells in the leaf that allows for gas exchange.