9/3 Plant Biology – Angiosperms and Reproduction (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the notes on angiosperms, plant reproduction, and related climate topics.

Angiosperm

Flowering plants (phylum Anthophyta) that reproduce using flowers; ~270,000 described species; about 80% of living plants.

Monocot

Monocotyledon angiosperms with one seed leaf; examples include grasses, lilies, grains, and orchids; ~65,000 described species.

Eudicot (Uticos)

The other major group of angiosperms; ~175,000 described species; includes many trees, shrubs, peas; often pollinated by wind or animals.

Diploid (2N)

Two complete sets of chromosomes (two copies of each chromosome); the typical state for sporophyte cells.

Haploid (N)

A single set of chromosomes; the gametophyte phase in plants; sex cells contain one copy of each chromosome.

Meiosis

Cell division that produces haploid cells; in plants yields spores (or gametes) and creates genetic diversity; produces four non-identical haploid products.

Mitosis

Somatic cell division that yields two genetically identical diploid daughter cells; used for growth and tissue maintenance.

Gametophyte

The haploid phase of the plant life cycle where gametes (sperm and eggs) are produced (in flowering plants, inside the flower).

Sporophyte

The diploid phase of the plant life cycle that produces spores by meiosis; the visible plant body in angiosperms is mainly sporophyte.

Sporangia

Structures in the sporophyte that produce spores; site of meiosis in plants.

Spores

Haploid reproductive units produced by meiosis in the sporophyte; germinate to form the next gametophyte generation.

Fertilization (Syngamy)

Union of sperm and egg to form a zygote; synonyms: fertilization and syngamy.

Zygote

Diploid cell formed by fertilization; the first cell of a new organism; develops into an embryo.

Alternation of generations

Life cycle in plants alternating between a haploid gametophyte (sexual) and a diploid sporophyte (asexual); in angiosperms, the sporophyte is dominant.

Flower (gametophyte organ)

In angiosperms, the flower houses the gametophyte generation; contains male (stamen/pollen) and female (carpel/ovule) reproductive structures.

Pollen

Male gametophyte produced in the anthers; carries sperm to the stigma to achieve fertilization.

Ovule

Structure inside the ovary containing the female gametophyte (egg); fertilization yields a seed.

Seed

Product of fertilization; contains a developing embryo and nutrients, enclosed in a protective coat; arises from the fertilized ovule.

Pollination

Transfer of pollen from anthers to a stigma; enables fertilization.

Self-pollination

Pollination occurring within the same plant or flower; can lead to reduced genetic diversity.

Haplodiploidy

Sex-determination system in Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps): males are haploid and females are diploid.

Kudzu (invasive species)

Vine introduced from Asia that grows rapidly and can overtake landscapes, illustrating invasive plant behavior.

Photosynthesis

Process by which plants use light energy to convert CO2 and water into sugars and oxygen.

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Greenhouse gas; atmospheric concentration has risen due to burning fossil fuels and deforestation; contributes to global warming.

Greenhouse effect

Heat-trapping effect of CO2 and other gases in the atmosphere, leading to warming of Earth's surface.

Biofuel (ethanol)

Fuel produced from plants by fermentation (e.g., ethanol from corn); sugars/starches/cellulose are converted to ethanol.

Fossil fuels

Energy-rich fuels formed from ancient decaying organisms (natural gas, coal, crude oil); burning them releases CO2.