Plant Growth and Development

The dormant state of a plant embryo within a seed, often lasting for thousands of years.

The process by which a plant embryo resumes growth and breaks out of its seed, emerging as a seedling.

The root of a plant, which emerges first during germination and anchors the plant in the soil.

A protective structure formed by the young shoot of some plants, such as beans, to shield the tip from injury as it grows through the soil.

A plant that completes its life cycle in a single growing season, from germination to seed production.

A plant that lives for several years, often reproducing multiple times during its lifespan, for example, trees, shrubs, and many herbaceous plants.

A protective sheath around the shoots of some plants, such as corn.

A type of plant that sheds its leaves in the fall or winter and grows new leaves in the spring, for example, elm, maple, and grapevines.

Regions of active cell division in plants where new cells are produced.

Growth that increases the length or height of a plant. Occurs at the tips of stems and roots.

Growth that increases the width of stems and roots. Occurs in vascular cambium and cork cambium.

The process by which cells become specialized in form and function. Occurs after cell division.

Meristems located at the tips of stems and roots. Responsible for primary growth.

A layer of cells found in woody stems and roots. It produces secondary xylem and phloem, which contribute to growth in width.

A layer of cells found in woody stems and roots. Produces cork cells, which form the outer bark.

The process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create their own food.

The process by which plants break down sugar to release energy.

Chemical elements needed by plants for growth and development. Absorbed from the soil.

The outermost layer of cells in a plant's stem or root. Protects the internal tissues.

The tissue located under the epidermis in a plant's stem or root. Stores food and water.

The central tissue in a plant's stem or root. Functions in storage and transport.

Nitrogen is a crucial element for plant growth, playing a vital role in the formation of proteins, nucleic acids, chlorophylls, ATP (energy currency), and various coenzymes. Its presence promotes the healthy development of green plant parts.

Phosphorus, an essential element, is a critical component of ATP and ADP (energy carriers), nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), phospholipids in cell membranes, and some coenzymes. Its involvement is crucial for the plant's energy production, genetic material, and membrane structure.

Potassium, a vital element, is essential for active transport (moving substances across cell membranes), enzyme activation, maintaining osmotic balance (water regulation), and facilitating stomatal opening (pores for gas exchange). It plays a key role in various cellular processes.

Calcium, a structural element, is an integral component of cell walls, providing strength and rigidity. It also plays a critical role in enzyme activity and membrane function, contributing to overall cell integrity and signaling processes.

Magnesium, a component of chlorophyll, is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. It also acts as an activator for certain enzymes, crucial for various metabolic reactions.

Sulfur is an essential element incorporated into some proteins and coenzyme A, playing a vital role in cellular respiration, the process by which plants extract energy from food. It contributes to energy production and essential metabolic pathways.

Auxin, a plant hormone, plays a key role in regulating plant growth and development. It promotes stem elongation and cell division, influences root development, and contributes to fruit formation. It is also responsible for bending towards light sources.

Ethylene, a gaseous plant hormone, plays a crucial role in fruit ripening, stimulating the breakdown of cell walls and softening the fruit. It also promotes the shedding of leaves and flowers in some plants, facilitating natural processes.

Gibberellins, a group of plant hormones, are primarily involved in stem elongation and seed germination. They also stimulate fruit development and influence flowering in some plants, contributing to various stages of plant growth.

Cytokinins, a group of plant hormones, primarily promote cell division and delay senescence (aging) in plant tissues. They are also involved in root development, shoot formation, and influencing the balance between root and shoot growth.

Tropisms are directional growth responses exhibited by plants in response to environmental stimuli. They can be positive (towards the stimulus) or negative (away from the stimulus). Examples include phototropism (light), gravitropism (gravity), and thigmotropism (touch).

Photoperiodism is the plant's response to the relative length of day and night, influencing flowering, bud formation, and other developmental processes. Plants can be categorized as short-day, long-day, or day-neutral, depending on their light requirements.

Dormancy is a period of inactivity exhibited by plants or seeds even when conditions are suitable for growth. It is often triggered by environmental factors like low temperatures or a lack of water, ensuring survival during unfavorable conditions.

A plant that responds when days become shorter than a certain number of hours is said to be a short-day plant. These plants typically bloom in the fall or winter when day lengths are shorter.

A plant that responds when days become longer than a certain number of hours is called a long-day plant. These plants typically bloom in the spring or summer when day lengths are longer.