Lab Practical

Nonvascular Plants

Plants that lack a vascular system, including xylem and phloem, such as mosses and liverworts.

Bryophytes

A group of nonvascular plants including hornworts, liverworts, and mosses, characterized by a sporic life cycle.

Gametangia

Specialized organs or cells in which gametes are formed, including the antheridium (male) and archegonium (female).

Antheridium

Male reproductive structure of nonvascular plants that produces sperm through mitosis.

Archegonium

Female reproductive structure of nonvascular plants that produces eggs through mitosis.

Sporangia

Specialized structures that create spores through meiosis.

Spores

Haploid reproductive cells that give rise to gametophytes.

Gametophyte

The dominant and longer-lived stage in the sporic life cycle of bryophytes, representing the haploid phase.

Sporophyte

The diploid stage in the sporic life cycle of bryophytes, which develops from the fertilized egg and is often smaller than the gametophyte.

Prothallium

The fern gametophyte, a small heart-shaped structure that produces flagellated sperm.

Frond

A large leaf, especially of a palm or fern, usually divided into many parts or leaflets.

Rhizome

A modified subterranean plant stem that sends out roots and shoots from its nodes.

Sori

Clusters of sporangia found on the underside of fern fronds, involved in spore production.

Gymnosperms

Vascular plants that produce seeds exposed on cones with no flowers.

Angiosperms

Flowering plants whose seeds are enclosed within a matured ovary or fruit.

Xylem

Vascular tissue that transports water and nutrients from roots to other plant parts.

Phloem

Vascular tissue that transports food throughout the plant.

Pollination

The transfer of pollen grains from the male part of a plant to the female part, often facilitated by water or animals.

Cotyledon

Seed leaves that provide additional food sources for developing embryos in angiosperms.

Dicots

Angiosperms with two cotyledons, including many familiar fruits and vegetables.

Monocots

Angiosperms with one cotyledon, including major grains and certain flowers.

Dermal Tissues

Plant tissues that provide protection, such as the epidermis and periderm.

Ground Tissues

Plant tissues that fill the rest of the plant body, including parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma.

Vascular Tissues

Plant tissues that include xylem and phloem for transport and support.