Plant Biology: Epidermal Tissue

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of red blood cells?

To transport nutrients and oxygen (correct)

To produce antibodies

To form blood clots

To engulf infectious pathogens

How do white blood cells primarily fight infection?

By forming a blood plasma

By producing hemoglobin

By engulfing infectious pathogens (correct)

By transporting carbon dioxide

Which statement best describes platelets?

Complete cells that fight infections

Fragements of large cells that stop bleeding (correct)

Cells that regulate blood temperature

Cells that transport oxygen

Which type of muscle tissue is under voluntary control?

Skeletal muscle Signup and view all the answers

What role do lymphocytes play in the immune system?

They remove foreign materials through phagocytosis Signup and view all the answers

What components make up muscular tissue?

Actin and myosin filaments Signup and view all the answers

Which type of muscle is characterized as involuntary?

Both B and C Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of xylem in vascular tissue?

Transports water and minerals from the roots to the leaves. Signup and view all the answers

What process enables muscle contraction and heat generation?

Actin and myosin interaction Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cell in the phloem provides support?

Fibers Signup and view all the answers

Which tissue is primarily responsible for the movement of the body?

Muscular tissue Signup and view all the answers

Where are sclereids typically found?

In seed coats and nutshells Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes tracheids from vessel elements in xylem?

Vessel elements have perforation plates and allow for more efficient water transport. Signup and view all the answers

Which component of nervous tissue is responsible for transmitting nerve impulses?

Neuron Signup and view all the answers

What role does companion cells play in the phloem?

Help sieve tube members in transporting products. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tissue covers body surfaces and lines cavities?

Epithelial tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of loose fibrous connective tissue?

Allows expansion of internal organs Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of adipose tissue?

It primarily stores energy in the form of fat Signup and view all the answers

Which type of connective tissue is found in tendons?

Dense fibrous connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes cartilage from bone?

Cartilage is generally more flexible than bone Signup and view all the answers

What feature is unique to adipocytes in the context of weight changes?

Their number is fixed in an individual Signup and view all the answers

What is the matrix of cartilage primarily composed of?

Collagen and flexible fibers Signup and view all the answers

What connective tissue provides leverage for movement?

Hyaline cartilage Signup and view all the answers

What can cause adipocytes to become larger in obese individuals?

Increased fat storage within the cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the waxy cuticle on the epidermal cells of plants?

To minimize water loss and provide protection Signup and view all the answers

What role do root hairs play in plants?

They increase the root's surface area for absorption Signup and view all the answers

Which cells surround the stomata to regulate gas exchange in leaves?

Guard cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of periderm in woody plants?

Cork cells and cork cambium Signup and view all the answers

Why are cork cells considered chemically inert at maturity?

They are encrusted with suberin Signup and view all the answers

What is one function of trichomes on plant surfaces?

To protect against excessive sunlight Signup and view all the answers

How does the epidermis change as woody plants mature?

It is replaced by periderm Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of epidermal tissue in nonwoody plants?

To protect against water loss and disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of succulent leaves in plants like the century plant?

Store water Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following modifications is specifically used for anchorage in climbing plants?

Tendrils Signup and view all the answers

What is the unique feature of alveoli in the lungs?

Increase surface area for gas exchange Signup and view all the answers

What role do microvilli play in epithelial cells?

Increase absorption surface area Signup and view all the answers

Which plant modification aids in aerating submerged roots?

Pneumatophores Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of mature red blood cells?

Biconcave shape Signup and view all the answers

How do goblet cells contribute to the respiratory system?

Secrete gel-forming mucins Signup and view all the answers

Which modification in plants is primarily for attracting pollinators?

Colored younger leaves Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Epidermal Tissue

Composed of closely packed cells called epidermis in both nonwoody and young woody plants.
Epidermal cells exposed to air have a waxy cuticle to reduce water loss and protect against pathogens.
Root hairs, developed from certain epidermal cells, enhance water and mineral absorption while anchoring the plant.
Trichomes are hair-like projections from epidermal cells on stems, leaves, and reproductive organs, providing sun protection and moisture conservation.
Guard cells, containing chloroplasts, regulate gas exchange and water loss; they surround stomata in leaves.

Periderm and Cork Cells

Older woody plants’ epidermis is replaced by periderm primarily made of cork cells.
Cork cambium generates new cork cells as older cells are sloughed off; cork cells become waterproof due to suberin.
Cork cells are mostly nonliving and protect against fungal, bacterial, and animal attacks.

Sclereids

Stone cells, shorter and variably shaped compared to fibers, contribute to seed coats and nutshells.
Provide the gritty texture in pears and hardness in nuts and peach pits.

Vascular Tissue

Two main types: Xylem and Phloem.
Xylem transports water and minerals from roots to leaves; composed of tracheids (elongated cells with tapered ends) and vessel elements (larger cells with perforation plates for efficient transport).
Phloem transports sucrose and organic compounds, featuring sieve tube members (elongated cells forming a column) and companion cells (assist in sieve tube functions).

Animal Tissues

Four major types: Epithelial, Connective, Muscular, Nervous.
Epithelial tissue covers surfaces, lines cavities, and forms glands.
Connective tissue binds and supports organs; includes loose and dense fibrous connective tissue.
Muscular tissue facilitates movement and generates body heat; includes skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle types.

Loose Fibrous Connective Tissue

Contains scattered fibroblasts and collagen fibers, supporting expansion in organs like lungs and arteries.
Adipose tissue, made of adipocytes, serves as an energy reservoir and insulating layer.

Dense Fibrous Connective Tissue

Characterized by tightly packed collagen fibers, primarily found in tendons (muscle to bone) and ligaments (bone to bone).

Supportive Connective Tissue

Includes cartilage and bones, providing structural support.
Cartilage is flexible, contains cells in lacunae, and heals slowly due to limited blood supply; has three types: hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage.

Blood Functions

Transports nutrients, oxygen, and waste products, regulates temperature, and maintains fluid balance.
Formed elements include red blood cells (transport oxygen via hemoglobin), white blood cells (immune response), and platelets (blood clotting).

Muscular Tissue Types

Skeletal muscle: voluntary, long, cylindrical fibers.
Smooth muscle: involuntary, spindle-shaped cells found in organs.
Cardiac muscle: involuntary, striated, found in heart tissue.

Cell Modifications in Plants

Succulent leaves store water for drought resilience.
Tendrils provide support for climbing plants.
Colorful leaves attract pollinators; certain plants have modified leaves for insect digestion.
Pneumatophores help with aeration in submerged roots.

Cell Modifications in Animals

Microvilli increase absorption surface area in epithelial cells.
Fimbriae assist in egg transportation in the reproductive tract.
Alveoli enhance gas exchange area in lungs.
Goblet cells secrete mucus; red blood cells maximize surface area for gas exchange due to lack of nucleus.

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Description

This quiz covers the structure and function of epidermal tissue in plants, including the role of the cuticle and root hairs. Understand how epidermal cells protect plants and minimize water loss. Ideal for students studying plant biology in detail.