Biology Basics: Plant Anatomy and Ecology

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of membranes that extends throughout the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. It is involved in protein synthesis, folding, and transport, as well as lipid metabolism and detoxification.

Parenchyma is a simple tissue made up of thin-walled cells that perform a variety of functions, including photosynthesis, storage, and secretion.

Collenchyma is a simple tissue made up of elongated cells with unevenly thickened cell walls. It provides support and flexibility to young stems and leaves.

Sclerenchyma is a simple tissue composed of thick-walled cells that provide structural support to plants once they have stopped growing. This tissue is composed of two types of cells: fibers, which are elongated and tapered, and sclereids, which are short, irregular cells. Sclerenchyma is stronger than collenchyma because of its thicker cell walls, which makes it useful for providing support for plants that need to grow upright

A hypothesis is a testable statement that proposes an explanation for a phenomenon. It should be specific, measurable, and have a clear independent and dependent variable. The independent variable is the variable that is manipulated or changed by the researcher, and the dependent variable is the one that is measured or observed. You should have a control group vs. an experimental group.

Science is a systematic and objective approach to understanding the natural world. It relies on empirical evidence, testable hypotheses, and peer review. Pseudoscience is a claim, belief, or practice that is presented as scientific, but lacks the scientific rigor and evidence to support it. It often uses anecdotal evidence, lacks testable hypotheses, and ignores contradictory evidence. Pseudoscience depends on confirmation bias.

Seeds disperse in four main ways: Wind, Water, Animals (including Humans), and mechanical dispersal. Wind dispersal occurs with lightweight seeds that are easily carried by the wind. Water dispersal occurs with seeds that are able to float on water and are dispersed by currents. Animal dispersal occurs with seeds that are sticky or have hooks, allowing them to attach to animals' fur or feathers. Mechanical dispersal occurs when a plant releases seeds from a fruit that bursts open. It could also include forceful ejection by the plant itself.

A plant with imperfect flowers means that it produces two types of separate flowers: male flowers (staminate) and female flowers (pistillate). These flowers are typically on the same plant (monoecious) but can sometimes be on different plants (dioecious).

A scientific drawing should include a scale, a bar to indicate magnification (e.g., 1 cm = 1 mm), clear labels for each part, and a title. It should also include a description of the subject, location, and date of observation. Mimicry of the object is an important component of a scientific drawing. Mimicry of the object is particularly important when drawing microscopic samples.

The top five major food crops are rice, wheat, maize (corn), potatoes, and cassava. These crops provide a significant portion of the world's food supply and are crucial to global food security. The development of these crops has been influenced by factors such as the Green Revolution, hybrid breeding, and precision agriculture. These crops are produced in massive quantities around the world. Shattering is a process where seeds are dispersed away from the plant. These five crops are specifically non-shattering.

The film suggested that the cause of inequality between New Guinea and the Western world is the uneven distribution of domesticated plants and animals. This difference in the availability of resources, particularly food, has led to significant disparities in living standards and overall well-being. Jared Diamond suggests that people had a better chance of survival in the fertile crescent area because it had more wild species that can be domesticated. This happened because of a favorable climate.

The Green Revolution was a period of rapid advancements in agricultural technologies, particularly hybrid crop varieties and the use of fertilizers and pesticides. This led to a significant increase in food production and helped prevent widespread famine. The Green Revolution had a significant impact on yield gaps--the difference between potential yields of crops and the amount of crops actually produced. It also increased supply and demand for production, leading to increased food availability and decreased prices.

A simple fruit is a fruit that develops from a single ovary. A multiple fruit develops from several ovaries, all from the same flower. An aggregate fruit develops from several ovaries from the same flower. A dry fruit is a fruit that is dry and hard when it is mature. A fleshy fruit is a fruit that is soft and juicy when it is mature. For example, a peach is a fleshy fruit. An example of a simple fruit is a cherry. It is also an example of a fleshy fruit since it is juicy and soft when ripe. A raspberry is an example of an aggregate fruit. A pecan is an example of a dry fruit because, when mature, it is hard and dry.

Native gardens are a type of garden that uses plants native to the region. These gardens are often sustainable and require less water and maintenance than traditional gardens.

Xeriscaping is a type of landscaping that uses drought-tolerant plants and water-efficient practices to reduce water usage. It is often used in areas with limited water resources or in arid climates.

Butterfly gardens are designed to attract butterflies and other pollinators by providing them with food sources (nectar plants) and shelter. They often feature a variety of flowering plants that bloom throughout the growing season.

Ornamental plants are plants that are grown primarily for their aesthetic value. They are used to enhance the beauty of landscapes, gardens, and homes. Many of these plants are not native to the areas where they are grown.

Houseplants are plants that are grown indoors for their ornamental value. Some houseplants can purify the air. They are typically grown in pots or containers and require specific care and environments.

Plants provide people with food, oxygen, and medicine. They are fundamental to life on Earth and play a critical role in supporting ecosystems and biodiversity.

Xylem transports water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant, while phloem transports sugars (produced during photosynthesis) from the leaves to other parts of the plant. Both work together to maintain the plant's water balance and supply nutrients.

Seeds disperse in four main ways: wind, water, animals, and mechanical dispersal. Wind dispersal occurs when seeds are light and carried by the wind. Water dispersal occurs when seeds are able to float on water. Animal dispersal occurs when seeds attach to animals' fur or feathers. Mechanical dispersal occurs when seeds are ejected from fruits or pods or are dispersed by the plant itself.

The belief that everything is connected and centered in the heart.

A type of traditional medicine that uses plants and other natural remedies.

A practice where sacred plants are burned to cleanse and purify a space.

The belief that the bloodline is red and represents the connection to the earth.

The belief that humans, nature, and the spirit world are connected.

Secondary metabolites are chemicals produced by plants that are not essential for their basic survival, but provide advantages like defense against herbivores or attracting pollinators.

A poultice is a soft, moist application of crushed herbs or other materials applied to the skin for medicinal purposes.

A tincture is a concentrated solution of plant extracts in alcohol, used medicinally for internal consumption.

Theobroma cacao is the species of tree that produces cocoa beans, the raw material for chocolate.

Coca leaves contain cocaine, a powerful stimulant and psychoactive compound.

Ethanol is a type of alcohol produced through fermentation of plant material like grains, fruits, or sugarcane.

Alcohol dependence can lead to addiction, which is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive alcohol seeking and use despite negative consequences.

A psychoactive plant is a plant that contains compounds that can affect the mind, mood, or behavior of humans or animals.

Many plants protect themselves from being eaten using toxins, which can affect an animal's nerve function.

Different parts of plants, like their seeds, leaves, roots, or flowers, are used in various ways to create medicines, drugs, and psychoactive compounds.

The effects of psychoactive plants on the brain, including changes in a person's perception of their body and the world around them.

Opium, morphine, codeine, and heroin are all examples of opiates, which are substances made from the opium poppy plant.

The long fleshy leaves of Aloe vera contain phytochemicals that relieve the pain of minor burns and help the skin to heal.

Opiates are specifically substances made from several species of the opium poppy plant that help relieve pain.

The long fleshy leaves of Aloe vera contain phytochemicals that relieve the pain of minor burns and help the skin to heal.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times more potent than heroin. It is used legally to control pain and illegally mixed into other drugs.

A category of drugs that can encompass both plant-derived opiates and synthetic opioids created in laboratories.

The opioid crisis refers to the widespread misuse and addiction to opioid drugs, both prescription and illicit.

Plants from our gardens, such as Aloe vera, periwinkle, and foxglove, are used to extract medicinal drugs. These plants are often cultivated for their beauty and medicinal properties.

Two of our most important anti-cancer drugs are extracted from the periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) that is cultivated as an ornamental in many home gardens.

Psychoactive plants contain compounds that affect the mind, mood, or behavior of humans or animals.

Many plants use toxins to protect themselves from being eaten. These toxins can affect the nervous system of animals.

Different parts of plants, like seeds, leaves, roots, or flowers, are used to create medicines, drugs, and psychoactive compounds.

Psychoactive plants can affect the brain and how we perceive our body and the world around us.

Opium, morphine, codeine, and heroin are all opiates, which are substances derived from the opium poppy plant.

The long fleshy leaves of Aloe vera contain phytochemicals that help soothe burns and promote healing.

The long, fleshy leaves of Aloe vera contain phytochemicals that relieve the pain of minor burns and help the skin to heal.

Secondary metabolites are chemicals produced by plants that are not essential for their basic survival but provide advantages like defense against herbivores or attracting pollinators.

A poultice is a soft, moist application of crushed herbs or other materials applied to the skin for medicinal purposes.

A tincture is a concentrated solution of plant extracts in alcohol, used medicinally for internal consumption.

Theobroma cacao is the species of tree that produces cocoa beans, the raw material for chocolate.

Coca leaves contain cocaine, a powerful stimulant and psychoactive compound.

Ethanol is a type of alcohol produced through fermentation of plant material like grains, fruits, or sugarcane.

Alcohol dependence can lead to addiction, which is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive alcohol seeking and use despite negative consequences.

A psychoactive plant is a plant that contains compounds that can affect the mind, mood, or behavior of humans or animals.

Plants often use toxins as a defense mechanism to discourage animals from eating them. These toxins can disrupt nerve function.

Different plant parts, like leaves, roots, seeds, or flowers, are used in various ways to create medicines, drugs, and psychoactive compounds.

Plants like Aloe vera, periwinkle, and foxglove, are often grown for their beauty, but they also contain compounds that can be used to create medicinal drugs.

The scientific study of the relationships between people and plants, encompassing both the practical and cultural aspects of plant use.

Ethnobotany involves studying indigenous knowledge about plants, classifying them, understanding their cultivation, and analyzing their diverse uses for food, medicine, shelter, and more. It also explores the connections between ethnic groups and the plants in their environment.

Ethnobotany has evolved from documenting traditional plant knowledge to applying this knowledge in modern contexts. This includes using ethnobotanical information in pharmaceutical development. The field now addresses complex issues like intellectual property rights and equitable benefit-sharing arising from the use of traditional knowledge.

Ethnobotany extends beyond just medicinal or practical uses. It includes studying the symbolic and cultural roles of plants, such as their presence in folklore, taboos, and religious practices.

Ethnobotany allows us to examine human-plant interactions from both an abstract and concrete perspective. Abstract aspects involve beliefs and rituals, while concrete aspects cover practical uses like food production and artistic applications.

Ethnobotany is a multidisciplinary field that involves combining knowledge from various disciplines. For example, botany provides the foundation for understanding plants, while anthropology helps us understand how different cultures use plants.

The study of the relationships between people and plants, examining how local cultures utilize plants for food, medicine, tools, rituals, and understanding plant knowledge within their language.

The tea tree (Camelia sinensis) is a plant with huge cultural importance in Asia, particularly in China and Japan. It's associated with elaborate cultivation and preparation methods, as well as Zen Buddhist beliefs in tea ceremonies.

Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) was used by ancient Egyptians to create paper by pressing together its stalks.

The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) has been cultivated for thousands of years in the Mediterranean region. It's the source of opium, a powerful drug with a complex history.

Opium was a major factor in Chinese political and economic history, especially during the 1830s-1930s. The opium trade influenced local, national, and imperial finances, impacting Chinese society.

All opium poppies can produce morphine, a powerful painkiller with significant medicinal and addictive properties.

The study of plant names within a specific language can reveal valuable insights into a culture's understanding and views of the plants they use.

The extraction of different chemical compounds derived from morphine, as well as synthetic versions, have led to the opiate crises of the present.

Traditional herbal medicines, integral to various societies, form the foundation of many modern medical systems.

Ethnobotany is essential in exploring and validating these traditional practices, providing a basis for discovering new herbal drugs and nutraceuticals.

This knowledge supports primary healthcare in tribal and aboriginal populations and contributes to the development of new therapeutic agents.

The extraction of different compounds derived from morphine, including synthetic versions, has led to the opiate crisis.

Traditional knowledge about medicinal plants has been a cornerstone of many cultures and forms the basis for modern medical systems.

Ethnobotany is crucial for exploring and validating traditional knowledge about plants, which can lead to the discovery of new medications and therapies.

The extraction of different chemical compounds derived from morphine, as well as synthetic versions, have led to the opiate crises of the present.

Traditional herbal medicines, integral to various societies, form the foundation of many modern medical systems.

The tea tree (Camelia sinensis) is a plant with huge cultural importance in Asia, particularly in China and Japan. It's associated with elaborate cultivation and preparation methods, as well as Zen Buddhist beliefs in tea ceremonies.

Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) was used by ancient Egyptians to create paper by pressing together its stalks.

The opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) has been cultivated for thousands of years in the Mediterranean region. It's the source of opium, a powerful drug with a complex history.

Opium was a major factor in Chinese political and economic history, especially during the 1830s-1930s. The opium trade influenced local, national, and imperial finances, impacting Chinese society.

All opium poppies can produce morphine, a powerful painkiller with significant medicinal and addictive properties.

The study of plant names within a specific language can reveal valuable insights into a culture's understanding and views of the plants they use.

The extraction of different chemical compounds derived from morphine, as well as synthetic versions, have led to the opiate crises of the present.

Traditional herbal medicines, integral to various societies, form the foundation of many modern medical systems.

Substances necessary for the body's growth, maintenance, and function, obtained from food.

A large, complex chain of molecules created by bonding together smaller units called monomers.

A type of carbohydrate made up of simple sugars like glucose and fructose.

A complex carbohydrate formed by linking many monosaccharides together. Examples include starch for storage and cellulose for structure.

Large, complex chains of molecules that are often essential for life, including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.

Lipids are a diverse group of molecules that are insoluble in water and serve as energy stores, structural components, and signaling molecules.

Traditional herbal medicines, integral to various societies, form the foundation of many modern medical systems.

Essential amino acids are nine specific building blocks of proteins that our body cannot synthesize on its own and must be obtained from our diet.

The protein score measures the nutritional value of a protein source by considering how digestible it is and how much of the essential amino acids it contains.

Vitamins are organic molecules, essential for various bodily functions, that cannot be produced by our body and need to be obtained from our diet.

Minerals are inorganic elements, vital for numerous bodily processes that we obtain from our diet and water intake.

Probiotic bacteria are specific bacterial species found in the human microbiome that are beneficial or essential for maintaining good health.

The intestinal microbiome is the complex community of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, that live in our digestive tract and play a critical role in digestion, immunity, and overall health.

Antioxidants are substances that can protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can contribute to aging and disease.

Bioactive molecules are compounds produced by plants that have specific biological effects on humans or animals. Some examples include medicinal compounds, toxins, and compounds that attract pollinators.

A type of lipid made of glycerol and fatty acids. They are found in both plant and animal sources.

A technique to add hydrogen atoms to unsaturated fats, making them more solid and less prone to spoilage. It can create trans fats.

Essential fatty acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own. Omega-3 are found in flaxseed, canola oil, and oily fish. Omega-6 are found in chicken and plant oils.

The total energy expenditure our bodies use for maintaining essential functions, performing daily activities, and growing. It's about 1600 calories per day.

The energy used for conscious movement, like walking, running, or lifting weights.

The building blocks of proteins. They have an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a distinctive 'R' group.

Proteins are large molecules made up of chains of amino acids. They are responsible for a wide variety of functions in the body, such as building and repairing tissues, transporting nutrients, and fighting disease.

The process of burning sacred plants to cleanse and purify a space. Often used in Indigenous traditions.