Plant and Fungi Biology Vocabulary

Flashcards related to plant and fungi biology.

Apical meristems

Localized regions of cell division in tips of roots and shoots, the source of directional growth toward resources.

Alternation of Generations

The alternation between a haploid gametophyte generation and a diploid sporophyte generation in plants.

Multicellular gametangia

Tissues in gametophytes that produce gametes; archegonium in females and antheridium in males.

Walled spores produced in sporangia

Tissues in sporophytes containing sporangia which protect spores and contain sporocytes that produce haploid spores by meiosis.

Sporopollenin

A polymer that protects spores and prevents zygotes of charophytes from drying out.

Cuticle

A waxy coating that prevents water loss in plants.

Mycorrhizae

Symbiotic fungi that help plants absorb more water and nutrients than they can alone.

Stomata

Microscopic pores in leaves that allow plants to get CO2 from the air.

Vascular tissue

Tissues used to move water and nutrients against gravity in plants.

Tracheids

Tube-shaped cells that carry water and minerals up from roots.

Lignin

A polymer that reinforces cell walls.

Treacheids

Tube-shaped cells that carry water minerals up from roots.

Phloem

Two-way transport of sugars and proteins in plants.

Megaphylls

Leaves with multiple branches of vascular tissue.

Sporophylls

Leaves that bear sporangia.

Sori

Clusters of sporangia on the undersides of fern sporophylls.

Strobili

Cone-like structures formed by groups of sporophylls in most lycophytes and gymnosperms.

Gametophyte

Spores germinate to produce the dominant stage.

Vascular Tissue

tube-shaped cells transport water (xylem), sugar (phloem) throughout plant

Seed Coat

Outer layer of sporophyte tissue becomes

Fruit

Mature ovary, can include other flower parts; seeds develop from ovules, ovary wall thickens

Endosperm

Tissue that nourishes developing embryo

Root Hairs

thin tubes extending from root epidermis; main site of water, nutrient absorption

Adventitious Roots

roots that arise in unusual place form fibrous networks near soil surface

Pneumatophores

project above water surface

Zoospores

flagellated spores

Ascomycetes

Species are decomposers, pathogens, lichens

Basidiomycetes

Species are parasites, decomposers (best at breaking down cellulose, lignin)

Mycosis

fungal infection

Chitin

flexible polysaccharide

Plasmogamy

Fusion of cytoplasm of parent mycelia

Exaptation

Structure which evolved for one purpose and is now used for an additional or alternative purpose