Introduction to Plant Biology

These flashcards cover the key concepts from the lecture on plant biology, including definitions, processes, and the functions of different organelles and tissue types.

What is the study of plants and their interactions with the environment called?

Botany.

What practical interests led to the study of botany?

Food production, fibers, fuel, and medicine.

What process do chloroplasts conduct?

Photosynthesis.

How many species of plants have been named so far?

About 320,000 species.

What do plants provide for animals in the ecosystem?

Food and shelter.

What are four applications in plant biology?

Ethnobotany, Agronomy, Phytochemistry, Paleobotany.

What is the main structural component of plant cell walls?

Cellulose.

What organelle is responsible for protein synthesis?

Ribosomes.

What are the three major groups of tissues produced by meristems?

Dermal, Ground, and Vascular tissues.

What tissue is the primary protective layer of plants?

Dermal tissue.

What is the function of xylem tissue in plants?

It conducts water and minerals absorbed by the roots.

What are the two types of sclerenchyma cells?

Sclereids and Fibers.

What do companion cells assist with in phloem tissue?

They assist in the transport of dissolved food materials.

What component of the plasma membrane regulates movement of substances?

Plasma Membrane.

What is the function of vacuoles in plant cells?

Maintenance of cell pressure and pH, storage of metabolites and waste products.

What distinguishes plant cells from animal cells?

Plant cells have cell walls, vacuoles, and plastids.

What is the study of plants and their interactions with the environment called?

Botany.

What practical interests led to the study of botany?

Food production, fibers, fuel, and medicine.

What process do chloroplasts conduct?

Photosynthesis.

How many species of plants have been named so far?

About 320,000 species.

What do plants provide for animals in the ecosystem?

Food and shelter.

What are four applications in plant biology?

Ethnobotany, Agronomy, Phytochemistry, Paleobotany.

What is the main structural component of plant cell walls?

Cellulose.

What organelle is responsible for protein synthesis?

Ribosomes.

What are the three major groups of tissues produced by meristems?

Dermal, Ground, and Vascular tissues.

What tissue is the primary protective layer of plants?

Dermal tissue.

What is the function of xylem tissue in plants?

It conducts water and minerals absorbed by the roots.

What are the two types of sclerenchyma cells?

Sclereids and Fibers.

What do companion cells assist with in phloem tissue?

They assist in the transport of dissolved food materials.

What component of the plasma membrane regulates movement of substances?

Plasma Membrane.

What is the function of vacuoles in plant cells?

Maintenance of cell pressure and pH, storage of metabolites and waste products.

What distinguishes plant cells from animal cells?

Plant cells have cell walls, vacuoles, and plastids.

What are the three cell types that make up the ground tissue system?

Parenchyma, Collenchyma, and Sclerenchyma cells.

What are the primary functions of parenchyma cells?

Metabolic functions (including photosynthesis), storage of starch/water, and healing.

What kind of support do collenchyma cells provide?

Flexible support for young, growing parts of the plant; they have unevenly thickened primary cell walls.

What is the main function of phloem tissue?

Transport dissolved sugars and organic nutrients (food) throughout the plant.

What are the three basic organs of vascular plants?

Roots, Stems, and Leaves.