Plant Biology Root and Stem Structure

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Questions and Answers

What are the functions of stems in plants?

Photosynthesis and storage of food (correct)

Storage of waste products

Support and nutrient absorption

Transport of water and solutes (correct)

Where do axillary buds form in relation to leaves?

Directly under each leaf scar

At the tip of the shoot apical meristem

Between the leaf and the stem (correct)

At the base of the leaf petiole

What type of cells are tracheids and vessel elements in the xylem?

Dead and hollow at maturity (correct)

Living and cylindrical

Flexible and thick-walled

Photosynthetic and nutrient-rich

What structures make up bark in plants?

All tissues outside the vascular cambium Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of collenchyma cells in stems?

Supporting elongating regions Signup and view all the answers

How does the vascular cambium contribute to stem growth?

It generates secondary xylem and phloem Signup and view all the answers

What are leaf scars, and where can they be found?

Visible indicators of shed leaves along the stem Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the epidermis on a stem?

Minimizing water loss through a waxy coating Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of leaves in plants?

Facilitate photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

Which type of leaf structure has several leaflets sharing one petiole?

Compound leaf Signup and view all the answers

In which type of phyllotaxis do two leaves per node occur on opposite sides of the stem?

Opposite phyllotaxis Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary cells found just below the upper epidermis of the leaf?

Palisade mesophyll cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinguishing feature of palmate leaf venation?

Multiple veins branching from a single point Signup and view all the answers

What structure in the leaf regulates the exchange of gases?

Stomata Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the cork cambium in periderm formation?

It generates cork cells Signup and view all the answers

Which type of leaf has a major vein from which other veins branch?

Pinnately veined leaves Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the root system in vascular plants?

Absorption of water and minerals Signup and view all the answers

Which type of root system is characterized by a single large main root with smaller secondary roots?

Taproot system Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the root cap in plant roots?

It protects the root apical meristem Signup and view all the answers

What tissue layer regulates water flow to the vascular tissue in the root?

Endodermis Signup and view all the answers

Which structures in the vascular plant root are responsible for transporting water and minerals?

Xylem and phloem Signup and view all the answers

During seed germination, what is the first root to emerge from the seed?

Radicle Signup and view all the answers

What do amyloplasts in the cortex of roots primarily store?

Starch Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the root can become meristematic and produce secondary roots?

Pericycle Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs correctly identifies a monocot and a dicot?

Lilies and Dandelions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the endosperm in a seed?

To provide nutrition to the embryo Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the plant is responsible for transporting water and minerals up from the roots?

Xylem Signup and view all the answers

What role do guard cells play in a leaf?

Open and close stomata Signup and view all the answers

What do the leaves primarily produce during photosynthesis?

Glucose Signup and view all the answers

What part of the plant is referred to as the 'terminal bud'?

The uppermost growth point Signup and view all the answers

Which structure in a seed is known for its leaf-like appearance and role in nutrition?

Cotyledon Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the phloem?

Store starch Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of root hairs in plants?

Absorption of water and nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of xylem in a plant?

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

Which layer in a eudicot leaf is primarily responsible for gas exchange?

Stomata Signup and view all the answers

In which zone of a root tip are cells primarily dividing?

Zone of Cell Division Signup and view all the answers

What structure controls the opening and closing of stomata?

Guard cells Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a eudicot leaf is responsible for light absorption?

Palisade mesophyll Signup and view all the answers

Which type of plant tissue primarily transports nutrients from leaves to other parts of the plant?

Phloem Signup and view all the answers

In a cross section of a monocot root, what structure would you expect to find?

Pith in the Center Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Root Structure

Roots anchor plants, absorb water and minerals, and store food.
The root tip is protected by the root cap, which secretes mucilage and sloughs off cells as the root grows through the soil.
The root apical meristem is located behind the root cap and produces all new cells for primary growth.
The primary tissues of the root include the epidermis, cortex, endodermis, pericycle, and vascular cylinder.
The cortex contains amyloplasts, which are starch-containing plastids.
The endodermis regulates water flow to the vascular tissue.
The pericycle can become meristematic and produce secondary roots.
The vascular cylinder contains xylem and phloem.

Stem Structure

Stems support the plant, transport water and solutes, and sometimes photosynthesize and store food.
The shoot apical meristem is located at the tip of the stem and produces young leaves and axillary buds.
Nodes are points on the stem where leaves attach.
Internodes are the portions of the stem between nodes.
The epidermis of the stem is coated with cutin, a waxy waterproof substance.
The cortex stores food.
The pith in the center of the stem also stores food.
Collenchyma cells provide support for elongating regions of the plant.
Vascular cambium is located between the xylem and phloem and produces secondary growth.
Bark includes all tissues outside of the vascular cambium, including the secondary phloem.
Periderm replaces the epidermis when it ruptures due to secondary growth, and is produced by the cork cambium.

Leaf Structure

Leaves are the primary sites of photosynthesis.
A leaf typically consists of a blade and a petiole.
Simple leaves have one blade, while compound leaves have multiple leaflets.
Veins are arranged in different patterns, including parallel, pinnate, and palmate.
Phyllotaxis refers to the arrangement of leaves on a stem, which can be opposite, alternate, or whorled.
The epidermis of the leaf contains stomata, which are pores surrounded by guard cells.
Palisade mesophyll cells are closely packed and contain chloroplasts.
Spongy mesophyll cells are irregularly shaped with air spaces.

Additional Information

Monocots have one cotyledon, while dicots have two.
Cotyledons are the leaf-like parts of a plant embryo found within a seed.
Endosperm surrounds the embryo and provides nutrition.
Root hairs increase the surface area of the root for absorption.
Xylem transports water and minerals from the roots to the leaves.
Phloem transports food from the leaves to the rest of the plant.
Stomata regulate gas exchange and water loss.
Air spaces near the lower surface of the leaf allow for gas exchange.
Stolons are horizontal stems that produce new plants at their nodes.
Rhizomes are underground stems that store food and water.
Tubers are modified underground stems that store food and can produce new plants.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential structures and functions of roots and stems in plants. Topics include the role of various tissues such as the root cap, cortex, endodermis, and the shoot apical meristem. Test your understanding of these fundamental concepts in plant biology.