Biology: Plant Characteristics and Functions

Characteristics of Plants

• Multicellular organisms
• Eukaryotic cells
• Autotrophic, meaning they produce their own food through photosynthesis
• Have cell walls made of cellulose

Types of Plants

• Flowering Plants (Angiosperms): produce flowers and seeds, examples include roses and daisies
• Conifers (Gymnosperms): produce cones and seeds, examples include pines and spruces
• Ferns (Pteridophytes): produce spores, examples include ferns and horsetails
• Mosses (Bryophytes): non-vascular, produce spores, examples include mosses and liverworts

Plant Structure

• Roots: underground structures that absorb water and nutrients
• Stems: above-ground structures that support leaves and transport materials
• Leaves: organs that carry out photosynthesis
• Chloroplasts: organelles found in plant cells that contain chlorophyll and facilitate photosynthesis

Plant Functions

• Photosynthesis: process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy
• Transpiration: process by which plants release water vapor into the air
• Respiration: process by which plants break down glucose to release energy

Plant Growth and Development

• Seed Germination: process by which a seed begins to grow
• Cell Division: process by which plant cells divide and grow
• Hormone Regulation: plant hormones, such as auxins and gibberellins, regulate growth and development

Plant Responses to Environment

• Tropisms: plant growth responses to environmental stimuli, such as light and gravity
• Nastic Movements: plant movements in response to touch or other stimuli