plant-life

Plant Unity

Despite the diversity among plants, there is unity in their construction, including how they transport food, reproduce, grow, and organize their cells.

Vascular Plants

Plants with specialized vascular tissue, composed of shoot and root systems.

Root System

Anchors the plant to the ground and absorbs water and nutrients.

Shoot System

The part of the plant above the ground, including leaves, stems, and reproductive parts.

Taproot

Dominant central root found in dicot plants, grows deeper into the ground.

Fibrous Root

Opposite of taproot, common in monocot plants, thin and moderately branching.

Adventitious Root

Arises from other parts of the plant, numerous on underground stems, used for vegetative propagation.

Aerial Roots

Roots above the ground, absorb moisture and nutrients, seen in orchids.

Specialized Roots

Roots that perform functions other than anchorage and absorption, such as storage, protection, support, reproduction, and aeration.

Shoot System

Consists of leaves, stems, and associated parts above the ground, responsible for photosynthesis and reproduction.

Nodes

Points of attachment for leaves, aerial roots, and flowers on the stem.

Internodes

Stem region between two nodes.

Leaves

Flattened, lateral, green appendages on the stem, essential for photosynthesis.

Stomata

Primary breathing organ of the plant, allows gas exchange.

Cuticle and Trichomes

Structures that prevent rapid water loss and protect plants from predators.

Photosynthesis

Process of producing sugar using light energy, water, and carbon dioxide, primarily occurs in leaves.

Autotrophic Nutrition

Plants make their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

Chemosynthesis

Production of organic compounds using energy from the oxidation of organic compounds, occurs in deep-sea vents.

Stem

Main support system of the plant, composed of the main stem and branches.

Annual Rings

Circular structures visible in a stem's cross-section, used to estimate the age of a tree.

Xylem and Phloem

Vascular tissues responsible for transporting water, nutrients, and sugars throughout the plant.

Conduction of Xylem Sap

Xylem transports water and minerals from roots to all parts of the plant.

Translocation of Phloem Sap

Phloem transports substances throughout the plant.

Reproduction in Plants

Plants undergo a life cycle characterized by alternation of generations.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction without the fusion of gametes, results in genetically identical offspring.

Vegetative Reproduction

Asexual reproduction by growing a part of the adult plant.

Cloning

A method of asexual reproduction used in plant cultures.

Sexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving the fusion of gametes, common in flowering plants.

Pollination

Process of transferring pollen from the anther to the stigma of a flower.

Life Span of Plants

Length of time from development to death, classified as perennial, annual, or biennial.