CS

In-Depth Notes on Plants and Their Ecosystems

Prayer for the Knowledge of God’s Creation

  • Acknowledge God as the creator of the universe
  • Emphasizes stewardship of nature
  • Encourages respect for gifts of creation

Plant Structure and Functions

  • Parts of a Plant
    • Seed: Contains the embryo and stored food; essential for plant reproduction.
    • Root: Anchors the plant and absorbs water and nutrients from the soil.
    • Stem: Supports the plant and transports nutrients and water between roots and leaves.
    • Leaf: Main site for photosynthesis, contains structures like stomata and chlorophyll.
    • Flower: Involved in reproduction, contains both male (stamens) and female (pistils) parts.

Plant Types

  • Nonvascular Plants

    • Lack a system for transporting water and nutrients; rely on diffusion.
    • Examples: Mosses, liverworts, hornworts.

  • Vascular Plants

    • Have vascular tissue (xylem and phloem) for transporting water and food.
    • Examples: Ferns (seedless), gymnosperms (cone-bearers), angiosperms (flowering plants).

Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

  • Photosynthesis

    • Equation: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + ext{energy}
      ightarrow C6H{12}O6 + 6 O2
    • Takes place in the chloroplasts using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen.

  • Cellular Respiration

    • Equation: C6H{12}O6 + 6 O2
      ightarrow 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + ext{energy}
    • Occurs in mitochondria where glucose is broken down to release energy.

Reproductive Strategies

  • Asexual Reproduction:

    • Involves taking cuttings, tubers, or runners; results in clones of the parent plant.

  • Sexual Reproduction:

    • Occurs in flowers where male gametes (pollen) fertilize female gametes (ovules) within the pistil.
    • Pollination: Transfer of pollen from stamens to pistils can be self-pollination or cross-pollination.

Biotic and Abiotic Factors

  • Biotic Factors:

    • Living components including bacteria, fungi, animals, plants, and protists.

  • Abiotic Factors:

    • Non-living components such as air, soil, water, temperature, light, and minerals that affect ecosystems.

Vascular Plant Structure

  • Xylem: Transports water from roots to leaves.
  • Phloem: Distributes sugars produced in leaves throughout the plant.

Flower Anatomy

  • Composed of multiple parts:
    • Stamen: Male parts; include anther (produces pollen) and filament.
    • Pistil: Female parts; include stigma, style, and ovary where ovules are fertilized.
    • Petals: Attract pollinators; can be colorful.
    • Sepals: Protect flower buds before opening.

Life Cycle of a Plant

  1. Seed
  2. Germination (root and shoot development)
  3. Seedling stage (small leaves)
  4. Mature plant with flowers
  5. Fruit formation and seed dispersal

Seed Dispersal Mechanisms

  • Animal Dispersal: Seeds are eaten and excreted; or attach to fur.
  • Wind Dispersal: Seeds with wings or hair can float.
  • Water Dispersal: Seeds can float and grow near water sources.

Plant and Animal Cell Differences

  • Plant Cells:

    • Have a cell wall, chloroplasts, central vacuole.

  • Animal Cells:

    • More varied but lack rigid cell wall.

  • Venn Diagram of similarities and differences can help visualize these aspects.