Key Plant Structures and Functions

Cuticle

A waxy, protective layer covering the surface of plant leaves and stems that helps prevent water loss.

Vascular Tissue

Refers to plants that have specialized tissues (xylem and phloem) for transporting water, nutrients, and food throughout the plant.

Nonvascular Plants

Refers to plants that do not have vascular tissues; these plants absorb water and nutrients directly through their surfaces and are usually small and found in moist environments (e.g., mosses).

Rhizoids

Hair-like structures in nonvascular plants that anchor the plant and help in the absorption of water and nutrients.

Seed

A plant structure that contains an embryo, stored food, and a protective coat; it is capable of developing into a new plant.

Gymnosperms

A group of seed-producing plants whose seeds are not enclosed in a fruit; examples include conifers like pine and spruce.

Angiosperms

Flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed in a fruit; they are the most diverse and widespread group of plants.

Cotyledon

The first leaf or pair of leaves produced by the embryo of a seed plant, often important for nutrient storage and transfer during germination.

Flower

The reproductive structure of angiosperms (flowering plants) that often contains both male and female organs and may attract pollinators.

Pollination

The transfer of pollen from the stamen (male part) to the pistil (female part) of a flower, enabling fertilization.

Stamen

The male reproductive part of a flower, made up of the anther (where pollen is produced) and the filament.

Pollen

Fine, powdery grains produced by the anther that contain the male gametes (sperm cells) of seed plants.

Pistil

The female reproductive part of a flower, consisting of the stigma, style, and ovary.

Stigma

The sticky top part of the pistil that captures and holds pollen during pollination.

Ovary

The part of the pistil that contains the ovules; after fertilization, it develops into a fruit.

Ovule

A structure within the ovary that contains the egg cell; after fertilization, it develops into a seed.

Fruit

A mature ovary of a flower that contains seeds; helps protect the seeds and may aid in their dispersal.

Germination

The process by which a seed develops into a new plant under the right conditions (water, temperature, and sometimes light).

Xylem

Transports water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant (mainly upward). It also provides structural support. The movement is typically one-way.

Phloem

Transports sugars and other organic nutrients made during photosynthesis from the leaves to other parts of the plant (both upward and downward).