Introduction to Plant Biology

Eukaryotic Cells and Plant Characteristics

• Eukaryotic cells are found in humans and plants, and are characterized by the presence of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
• Plant cells have a cell wall, a rigid layer made up of cellulose, which helps maintain the cell's shape.

Vascular vs. Nonvascular Plants

• Vascular plants have xylem and phloem, which transport water and nutrients throughout the plant.
• Xylem transports water and dissolved minerals, while phloem transports food.
• Nonvascular plants lack xylem and phloem, are small, simple, and less advanced, and have rhizoids instead of roots.

Types of Vascular Plants

• Gymnosperms are vascular plants that do not produce flowers, but have seeds that provide protection and food for the plant embryo.
• Angiosperms are plants with flowers that attract organisms for pollination, and are more advanced than gymnosperms.

Monocot vs. Dicot

• Angiosperms are categorized based on the number of cotyledons (seed leaves) present.
• Monocots have one cotyledon, and are characterized by flower petals in groups of three and parallel veins in their leaves.
• Dicots have two cotyledons.

Plant Classification and Importance

• Plants are classified based on their characteristics, such as the presence of flowers and the number of cotyledons.
• Plants are essential for human life, providing food, oxygen, and vitamins and minerals.