Lecture 1 - Green Plants-2 (1)

Viridiplantae

The group consisting of green plants, which includes green algae and land plants.

Photosynthetic organisms

Organisms that convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plant cells that conduct photosynthesis, containing chlorophyll.

Cuticle

A waxy layer that covers the aboveground parts of the plant to prevent water loss.

Stomata

Small openings on the surface of leaves that control gas exchange and water loss.

Sporopollenin

A durable polymer that encases the spores and pollen of land plants, helping them resist desiccation.

Gametophyte

The multicellular haploid phase of a plant that produces gametes.

Sporophyte

The multicellular diploid phase of a plant that produces spores.

Heterospory

The production of two distinct types of spores by different structures in plants.

Angiosperms

Flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed within fruit.

Gymnosperms

Seed-producing plants that do not form flowers or fruits; seeds are often exposed.

Double fertilization

A process unique to angiosperms where one sperm fertilizes the egg and another forms the endosperm.

Monocotyledons (monocots)

Plants that have one cotyledon, or seed leaf.

Dicotyledons (dicots)

Plants that have two cotyledons; traditionally seen as a major group, but paraphyletic.

Ecosystem services

Benefits provided by ecosystems, including oxygen production, soil building, climate moderation, and erosion control.

Primary producers

Organisms that produce biomass through photosynthesis, primarily plants in terrestrial ecosystems.

Embryophytes

A formal name for land plants, referring to their retention of embryos.

Vascular tissue

Specialized tissue in plants that conducts water and nutrients.

Adaptations

Characteristics or traits that improve an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment.