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General Biology: Plant Structure and Function

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What is the stele in plant roots?
    The stele is the central vascular cylinder of a root containing xylem, phloem, and pericycle cells.
  • What is the function of the epidermis in roots?
    The epidermis is the outer layer of cells that protects the root and absorbs water and minerals.
  • What is the role of the cortex in roots?
    The cortex stores food and helps transport water and nutrients from the epidermis to the vascular tissue.
  • What is the endodermis and its function?
    The endodermis is a selective barrier layer that regulates mineral uptake into the stele using the casparian strip.
  • What is the casparian strip?
    A waterproof band in the endodermis that forces water and minerals to pass through cell membranes, controlling entry into the stele.
  • Where is the phloem located in monocot and dicot roots?
    In dicots, phloem is between xylem ridges; in monocots, phloem forms a ring around the central pith.
  • What is pith in plant roots?
    The pith is a central region of parenchyma cells found in monocot roots but absent in dicot roots.
  • What are vessel elements in xylem?
    Vessel elements are wide, hollow cells in angiosperm xylem that conduct water efficiently.
  • What are tracheids?
    Tracheids are elongated, narrow xylem cells found in gymnosperms and angiosperms that conduct water and provide support.
  • How do sieve tube elements and companion cells function in phloem?
    Sieve tube elements transport sugars; companion cells support them metabolically and regulate loading/unloading.
  • What is the difference between epidermis and periderm?
    The epidermis is the outer protective layer in young plants; periderm replaces it in woody plants as bark.
  • What are lenticels and their function?
    Lenticels are porous tissues in bark that allow gas exchange between internal tissues and the atmosphere.
  • What are stomata and guard cells?
    Stomata are pores on leaves for gas exchange; guard cells regulate their opening and closing.
  • How do monocot and dicot leaf veins differ?
    Monocots have parallel veins; dicots have a net-like or reticulate vein pattern.
  • What is the function of the waxy cuticle on leaves?
    The waxy cuticle reduces water loss and protects against pathogens; it is a non-cellular layer.
  • What are palisade and spongy mesophyll?
    Palisade mesophyll has tightly packed cells for photosynthesis; spongy mesophyll has loose cells for gas exchange.
  • What is transpiration and why do stomata close?
    Transpiration is water loss through stomata; stomata close to prevent excessive water loss under stress.
  • Where does stem elongation occur?
    Stem elongation occurs at the apical meristems located at shoot tips.
  • What is the difference between primary and secondary growth in stems?
    Primary growth increases length; secondary growth increases girth via vascular cambium producing wood and bark.
  • How are vascular bundles arranged in monocot vs dicot stems?
    Monocots have scattered vascular bundles; dicots have vascular bundles arranged in a ring.