Characteristics and Classification of Plants

Study Notes

Characteristics of Plants

Multicellular organisms
Eukaryotic cells (complex cells with a true nucleus)
Autotrophic (produce their own food through photosynthesis)
Non-motile (stationary)
Have cell walls made of cellulose

Classification of Plants

Based on characteristics such as:
- Body structure (thallus, leafy, stem-like)
- Reproductive structures (flowers, cones, spores)
- Vascular tissues (xylem, phloem)
Divided into:
- Non-vascular plants (Bryophyta): mosses, liverworts
- Vascular plants (Tracheophyta): ferns, conifers, flowering plants

Major Plant Groups

Bryophyta (Non-vascular plants):
- Mosses and liverworts
- Small, non-vascular, and reproduce via spores
Pteridophyta (Ferns and allies):
- Vascular plants with true leaves (megaphylls)
- Reproduce via spores
Gymnospermae (Gymnosperms):
- Conifers (pines, spruces, firs) and cycads
- Seeds exposed on cones
Angiospermae (Angiosperms):
- Flowering plants (most plants we see)
- Seeds enclosed in ovaries

Plant Parts and Functions

Roots: absorb water and nutrients
Stems: support and transport materials
Leaves: photosynthesize and exchange gases
Flowers: reproduce (produce seeds and fruits)

Plant Adaptations

Specialized leaves (e.g., cacti, Venus flytrap)
Deep roots (e.g., taproots, adventitious roots)
Stomata (regulate gas exchange and water loss)
Carnivorous plants (obtain nutrients from animals)

Importance of Plants

Produce oxygen and organic compounds through photosynthesis
Food source for humans and animals
Shelter and habitat for various organisms
Medicinal and industrial uses (e.g., medicines, fibers, fuels)

Characteristics of Plants

Plants are multicellular organisms with eukaryotic cells that have a true nucleus.
They are autotrophic, producing their own food through photosynthesis.
Plants are non-motile, meaning they are stationary and do not move.
Their cell walls are made of cellulose, a complex carbohydrate.

Classification of Plants

Plants are classified based on characteristics like body structure, reproductive structures, and vascular tissues.
Non-vascular plants (Bryophyta) include mosses and liverworts, which lack vascular tissues.
Vascular plants (Tracheophyta) include ferns, conifers, and flowering plants, which have vascular tissues like xylem and phloem.

Major Plant Groups

Bryophyta (non-vascular plants) are small, non-vascular, and reproduce via spores.
Pteridophyta (ferns and allies) are vascular plants with true leaves (megaphylls) that reproduce via spores.
Gymnospermae (gymnosperms) are conifers and cycads with seeds exposed on cones.
Angiospermae (angiosperms) are flowering plants with seeds enclosed in ovaries.

Plant Parts and Functions

Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
Stems support and transport materials throughout the plant.
Leaves are responsible for photosynthesis and exchange of gases.
Flowers are responsible for reproduction, producing seeds and fruits.

Plant Adaptations

Specialized leaves, such as those found in cacti and Venus flytraps, have adapted to conserve water or capture prey.
Deep roots, like taproots and adventitious roots, allow plants to access water and nutrients deep in the soil.
Stomata regulate gas exchange and water loss in plants.
Carnivorous plants obtain nutrients by capturing and digesting animals.

Importance of Plants

Plants produce oxygen and organic compounds through photosynthesis, supporting life on Earth.
They are a food source for humans and animals, providing essential nutrients.
Plants provide shelter and habitat for various organisms, from insects to animals.
They have medicinal and industrial uses, such as providing medicines, fibers, and fuels.

Description

This quiz covers the characteristics of plants, including their cell structure, autotrophic nature, and cell walls. It also explores the classification of plants based on body structure, reproductive structures, and vascular tissues.