Structure and Function of the Living Organisms-Plants

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering plant biology including root systems, shoot systems, leaf and stem modifications, and reproductive structures based on the lecture material.

What are the two main parts of a flowering plant?

The root system and the shoot system.

How is a tap root system defined?

A system where a single root grows downwards into the soil and then branches into smaller lateral roots.

Which plants are examples of the tap root system?

Pea, mustard, bean and gram.

What characterizes a fibrous root system?

Several roots that grow out at the same time from the base of the stem.

Which plants possess a fibrous root system?

Maize, wheat, rice and grasses.

What are the primary functions of the root system?

It holds the plant to the soil, absorbs water and minerals, acts as a storage organ, and binds the soil together.

What are prop roots?

Additional roots which grow and hang down from the branches to give additional support, as seen in the banyan tree.

What are parasitic or sucking roots?

Roots that arise from the stem and penetrate into the tissues of a host plant to absorb water and minerals, as seen in the dodder plant.

How is the shoot system defined?

The part of the plant which is found above the soil, consisting of the stem, leaves, flowers, seeds and fruits.

What is the difference between a node and an internode?

A node is the point on a stem where a leaf is attached, while an internode is the portion between two nodes.

What is the bark?

The thick brown covering on the trunk that provides protection to the stem.

Why are ginger and potato considered stems rather than roots?

Because they have nodes, internodes and scale leaves.

What are stem tendrils?

Thin, long spring-like structures that grow from the stem and coil around external supports to help weak stems stand upright.

What is the function of the green, leaf-shaped stem in a cactus?

It manufactures food for the plant through photosynthesis in the absence of leaves.

What are stomata?

Tiny pores on the surface of leaves which help in the exchange of gases during respiration.

Define reticulate venation.

A pattern of veins on a leaf that forms a network on both sides of the mid-rib, such as in peepal leaves.

What is the purpose of leaf spines in plants like cactus?

They act as defense organs against grazing animals and reduce the loss of water in hot climates.

Name an example of a plant where the leaf is modified into a reproductive organ.

Bryophyllum.

What are the three main parts of the pistil (carpel)?

The stigma at the top, the style in the middle, and the ovary at the base.

What is pollination?

The transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma.

What is a fruit?

A mature or ripened ovary.

How is a seedling defined?

A young plant that arises when a seed germinates in moist soil.