Biol 1204 Exam Study Guide

Biol 1204 Exam Study Guide ## Disclaimer - This document serves as a study guide. - There may be terms, concepts, or materials not included herein. - Students should be aware that any content from the last 4 labs is considered 'fair game' for the exam.

General Lab Content

  • Identify traits using microscopes, slides, specimens, etc. from lab sessions, such as stomata, vascular bundles (xylem and phloem), various reproductive organs (e.g., anthers, ovaries, sori, sporangia), and distinctive cell structures.

Plant Lab Week 1: Bryophytes to Seedless Vascular Plants
Terminology:

  • Alternation of Generations: This describes a core plant reproductive cycle that involves an alternation between two distinct multicellular forms: a haploid gametophyte and a diploid sporophyte. This cycle is fundamental to understanding plant diversity and evolution.

  • Gametophyte: This is the multicellular, haploid (n) phase in the plant life cycle that is responsible for producing gametes (sperm and eggs) through mitosis. In bryophytes, the gametophyte is the dominant, larger, and longer-lived photosynthetic stage.

  • Sporophyte: This is the multicellular, diploid (2n) phase in the plant life cycle that produces spores through meiosis. In ferns and other vascular plants, the sporophyte is the dominant, independent, and often larger stage.

  • Spores: These are haploid reproductive cells, typically single-celled, that are capable of developing into a new organism (a gametophyte) without needing to fuse with another cell. They are crucial for dispersal.

  • Lignin: A complex organic polymer found in the cell walls of vascular plants, providing mechanical strength and structural support, which allows plants to grow tall and withstand gravity. It is a key adaptation for terrestrial life.

  • Vascular Tissue: A specialized transport system in plants, consisting of xylem and phloem. This tissue allows for the efficient long-distance transport of water, minerals, and sugars, facilitating larger plant sizes and more complex body plans.

  • Xylem: The vascular tissue responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals from the roots, upwards through the stem, to the rest of the plant. It consists of dead, hollow cells (tracheids and vessel elements).

  • Phloem: The vascular tissue responsible for transporting sugars (produced during photosynthesis) and other metabolic products (like hormones) downward from the leaves to other parts of the plant where they are needed for growth or storage. It consists of living cells (sieve tubes and companion cells).

  • Heterospory: A condition in some plants where two different types of spores are produced by different sporangia: microspores (which develop into male gametophytes) and megaspores (which develop into female gametophytes). This is a precursor to seed evolution.

  • Homospory: A condition in most seedless vascular plants and all bryophytes where a single type of spore is produced. This spore typically develops into a bisexual gametophyte (producing both male and female gametes).

  • Bryophyte: This group includes non-vascular plants such as mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. They lack true roots, stems, and leaves, absorbing water and nutrients directly from their surroundings. Their reproduction is highly water-dependent due to flagellated sperm.

  • Pterophyte: This group includes seedless vascular plants like ferns, horsetails, and whisk ferns. They possess true vascular tissue and an independent, dominant sporophyte stage, but still require water for sperm dispersal and fertilization.

  • Gymnosperms: A diverse group of seed-producing plants, including conifers (e.g., pines, spruces), cycads, ginkgo, and gnetophytes. They are characterized by