Biology - Vascular Plants Structure and Function - Quick Guides

Page 1 of 27

Biology - Vascular Plants Structure and Function - Page 1 preview image

Study GuideBiology–Vascular Plants: Structure and Function1. Vascular PlantsPlants can be grouped into two main categories based on how they move water and nutrients:nonvascular plantsandvascular plants.1.1 Two Major Plant Groups•Nonvascular plantsincludebryophytes.These plants donothave an internal transport system. Water and nutrients move only shortdistances, from cell to cell.•Vascular plantsincludeferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms.These plantsdohave an internal transport system, which allows them to grow larger and becomemore complex.Because of this transport system, vascular plants are more advanced in both structure and function.1.2 Specialized Tissues and OrgansVascular plants containspecialized tissues.Atissueis a group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific job.These tissues are organized into three mainorgans:•Roots•Stems•LeavesEach organ has a specific role, and together they help the plant survive, grow, and reproduce.

Page 2 of 27

Biology - Vascular Plants Structure and Function - Page 2 preview image

Study Guide1.3 The Vascular System: Xylem and PhloemInside the roots, stems, and leaves is thevascular system, made up of:•Xylem, which transports water and minerals•Phloem, which transports food made during photosynthesisThis system connects all parts of the plant, allowing materials to move efficiently from one area toanother.1.4 Types of Plant TissuesThe organs of a vascular plant are built fromfour main types of tissues:1.Vascular tissue–moves water, minerals, and food2.Ground tissue–supports the plant and carries out photosynthesis and storage3.Dermal tissue–forms the outer protective covering of the plant4.Meristematic tissue–produces new cells and allows the plant to growDifferent combinations of these tissues form the roots, stems, and leaves, giving vascular plants theirstrength, flexibility, and ability to grow.2. Ground TissueGround tissueplays an important role in a vascular plant. Its main job is tostore carbohydratesthatthe plant produces during photosynthesis. In young plants, ground tissue makes upmost of theplant’s body. It is foundbetween the vascular tissue and the dermal tissue, filling much of theplant’s interior.2.1 Parenchyma Cells: Photosynthesis and StorageThe most common cells in ground tissue areparenchyma cells. These cells are very importantbecause they:•Carry outphotosynthesis•Store nutrientsfor the plant

Page 3 of 27

Biology - Vascular Plants Structure and Function - Page 3 preview image

Study GuideParenchyma cells havethin cell walls,many chloroplasts, andlarge central vacuoles. Because ofthese features, they are well suited for making and storing food. These cells form most of theleaves,stems, and rootsof a plant.2.2 Sclerenchyma Cells: Strength and SupportAnother type of cell found in ground tissue is thesclerenchyma cell.These cells arehollowand havevery strong, thick walls.Their main function is toprovide strength and support. By reinforcing the ground tissue,sclerenchyma cells help the plant stay upright and resist damage.3. Quiz Ground Tissue1. QuestionThe ground tissue of vascular plants is responsible for which of the following?Answer Choices•protection•storing carbohydrates•transport of mineralsCorrect Answerstoring carbohydratesWhy This Is CorrectGround tissue in vascular plants mainly functions instorage,photosynthesis, andsupport. One ofits key roles is storing carbohydrates, such as starch, which the plant uses as an energy reserve.Protection is mainly handled bydermal tissue, while the transport of minerals is the job ofvasculartissue(especially xylem).

Page 4 of 27

Biology - Vascular Plants Structure and Function - Page 4 preview image

Study Guide2. QuestionThe major cells of the ground tissue are which of the following?Answer Choices•parenchyma cells•sievetube members•vesselsCorrect Answerparenchyma cellsWhy This Is CorrectGround tissue is made up mainly ofparenchyma cells, which carry out important functions such asphotosynthesis,storage, andbasic support. These cells are commonthroughout the plant bodyand are especially abundant in ground tissue.Sieve tube members and vessels belong tovascular tissue, not ground tissue, and are involved intransport rather than storage or photosynthesis.3. QuestionGround tissue is composed of which of the following?Answer Choices•collenchyma cells•parenchyma cells•sclerenchyma cellsCorrect Answercollenchyma cells, parenchyma cells, and sclerenchyma cells

Page 5 of 27

Biology - Vascular Plants Structure and Function - Page 5 preview image

Study GuideWhy This Is CorrectGround tissue is made up ofthree main cell types:parenchyma,collenchyma, andsclerenchymacells.•Parenchyma cellsare involved in photosynthesis and storage.•Collenchyma cellsprovide flexible support, especially in growing parts of the plant.•Sclerenchyma cellsgive strong, rigid support and protection.Together, these cells help the plant store food, stay supported, and carry out essential life processes.4. Dermal TissueDermal tissueacts as the plant’sprotective outer layer. Its main jobs are toprotect the plant frominjuryand toreduce water loss. This tissue covers theoutside surface of the plant, except inwoody shrubs and trees, where it is replaced bybark.4.1 Epidermal Cells and the CuticleThe most common cells in dermal tissue areepidermal cells. These cells form a tight, continuouslayer that helps shield the plant from its environment.Covering the epidermal cells is athin, waxy layercalled thecuticle. The cuticle helps prevent waterfrom evaporating too quickly and adds an extra layer of protection.4.2 Guard Cells and StomataDermal tissue also includesguard cells, which are found in pairs. These cells surround smallopenings in the leaves calledstomata.Thestomataallow:•Gases(such as oxygen and carbon dioxide) to move in and out•Water vaporto leave the plantGuard cells control when the stomata open and close, helping the plant balance gas exchange withwater conservation.

Page 6 of 27

Biology - Vascular Plants Structure and Function - Page 6 preview image

Study Guide5. Quiz Dermal Tissue1. QuestionWhich of the following statements is a quality of dermal tissue?Answer Choices•It is covered by a thin, waxy layer.•It is the location of most cell division.•Its major function is starch storage.Correct AnswerIt is covered by a thin, waxy layer.Why This Is CorrectDermal tissue forms theouter protective coveringof a plant. It is usually coated with athin, waxylayer called the cuticle, which helps reduce water loss and protects the plant from damage.Most cell division occurs inmeristematic tissue, and starch storage is mainly a function ofgroundtissue, not dermal tissue.6. Meristematic TissueMeristematic tissueis the plant’sgrowth tissue. It is the place wheremost cell division happens,allowing the plant to grow and develop. This tissue is described asundifferentiated, which meansthe cells have not yet taken on a specific job. Over time, these cells can develop intovascular,ground, or dermal tissue.6.1 Where Plant Growth HappensPlants grow in the areas where meristematic tissue is found. One important location is at thetips ofroots and stems. In these regions, the meristematic tissue is called theapical meristem.

Page 7 of 27

Biology - Vascular Plants Structure and Function - Page 7 preview image

Study GuideThe apical meristem is responsible forprimary growth, which is the growth that makes the plantlonger. This type of growth allows roots to grow deeper into the soil and stems to grow taller towardthe light.6.2 Primary vs. Secondary GrowthNot all growth happens at the tips. Some plants also growwider and thicker. This type of growth iscalledsecondary growth.Secondary growth occurs inlateral meristem tissue, which is found along the sides of stems androots.Woody trees and shrubsshow secondary growth when their stems becomethicker andstrongerover time.7. Quiz Meristematic Tissue1. QuestionWhich of the followingstatements is a quality of meristematic tissue?Answer Choices•It is covered by a thin, waxy layer.•It is the location of most cell division.•It’s major function is starch storage.Correct AnswerIt is the location of most cell division.WhyThis Is CorrectMeristematic tissue is responsible forplant growth. It contains actively dividing cells, so it is themainsite of cell divisionin plants. These tissues are found in areas such asroot tipsandshoot tips,where growth occurs.A thin, waxy layer is a feature ofdermal tissue, and starch storage is mainly a function ofgroundtissue, not meristematic tissue.

Page 8 of 27

Biology - Vascular Plants Structure and Function - Page 8 preview image

Study Guide8. RootsRoots are an essential part of a plant’s structure and survival. They perform several important jobsthat help the plant grow and stay healthy.8.1 Main Functions of RootsTheprimary functions of rootsare:•Toanchor the plantfirmly in the ground•Toabsorb water and mineralsfrom the soilMost substances enter the roots bydiffusion, moving from an area of higher concentration to lowerconcentration. In some cases,facilitated diffusionalso helps substances move into root cells moreefficiently.Some roots are alsospecialized for storage, holding extra food or nutrients that the plant can uselater.8.2 Types of Root SystemsPlants can have different kinds of root systems, depending on the species.•Taproot systemAtaprootgrows straight downward and has smallerlateral rootsbranching from it.This type of root system is common indicots.•Fibrous root systemAfibrous root systemis made up of many thin, branching roots of similar size.This type is found in mostmonocotsand helps hold soil in place.•Adventitious rootsAdventitious rootsgrow from unusual places, such asstems or leaves.Plants likecornhave adventitious roots that help provide extra support.

Page 9 of 27

Biology - Vascular Plants Structure and Function - Page 9 preview image

Study Guide8.3 Growth Regions of a RootRoots grow from their tips, where anapical meristemproduces new cells.•At the very tip of the root is theroot capThe root capprotects the growing root as it pushes through the soil.•Just behind the root cap is theapical meristemThis region is where active cell division takes place.•Behind the apical meristem is theregion of elongationHere, cells lengthen, causing theroot to grow longer.•Next comes theregion of maturationIn this area, cells specialize and develop into different tissues.8.4 Root Hairs and AbsorptionManyepidermal cellsin the region of maturation form tiny extensions calledroot hairs.Root hairs greatlyincrease the surface areaof the root, allowing the plant to absorb more water andminerals from the soil.9. Quiz Roots1. QuestionWhat is the correct order of tissues within a root?Answer Choices•apical meristem, region ofelongation, region of maturation, root cap•region of elongation, root cap, apical meristem, region of maturation•root cap, apical meristem, region of elongation, region of maturation

Preview Mode

This document has 27 pages. Sign in to access the full document!

Report

Learning Tools

Writing Tools

Browse Resources

Biology - Vascular Plants Structure and Function - Page 1

Biology - Vascular Plants Structure and Function

Study Now!

Document Details

Related Documents

Biology - The Unity and Diversity of Life

Biology - The Science of Biology

Biology - The Origin and Evolution of Life

Biology - The Chemical Basis of Life

Biology - The Biology of Cells

Biology - Support and Movement in Animals

Biology - Reproduction

Biology - Recombinant DNA and Biotechnology

Biology - Protista

Biology - Principles of Evolution

Company

Explore

Study Tools