Questions and Answers
What is the main characteristic of monocot stems?
What pattern is typical for vascular bundles in young dicot stems?
What is primary growth in plants?
Growth occurring at the ends of roots and shoots.
What is secondary growth?
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What forms most of what is considered wood?
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What happens to the xylem near the center of a thickening stem?
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Why do tree rings form?
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What are the three types of tissue in stems?
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What characteristic do monocot vascular bundles have?
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What is the function of dermal tissue in leaves?
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What does transpiration refer to?
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What process do leaves use to exchange gases?
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How do plants maintain homeostasis?
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What adaptations do certain plants have in low-nutrient conditions?
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Name the three parts of a leaf organ.
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What is the apical meristem commonly referred to as?
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What is the cuticle?
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What is the palisade mesophyll?
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What is the spongy mesophyll?
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What is the main tissue found in a mature root?
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What are the two types of root systems?
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Study Notes
Monocot and Dicot Stems
- Monocot stems have scattered vascular bundles, enclosed by ground tissue primarily composed of parenchyma cells.
- Dicot stems exhibit a ring-like arrangement of vascular bundles, with pith inside and cortex outside, becoming more complex with growth.
Primary and Secondary Growth
- Primary growth occurs at the apical meristems in roots and shoots, resulting in increased plant length.
- Secondary growth leads to thicker stems due to increased mass and fluid movement in vascular tissues.
Wood Formation
- Wood consists mainly of secondary xylem produced by the vascular cambium.
- Heartwood, the older xylem, ceases to conduct water and darkens with age from colored deposits.
Tree Rings
- Growth begins in spring with rapid vascular cambium activity, creating a layer of early wood made of large, light-colored xylem cells.
Stem Anatomy
- Stems are made of dermal, vascular, and ground tissue, protected by a waxy epidermis with thick cell walls.
Vascular Bundle Patterns
- In monocots, vascular bundles are scattered, while dicots typically have them organized in a cylindrical arrangement.
Dermal and Vascular Tissue
- The leaf's epidermis features tough cells covered in a waxy cuticle to minimize water loss.
- Xylem and phloem form bundles known as leaf veins connecting the stem and leaf tissues.
Photosynthesis in Leaves
- The palisade mesophyll consists of tightly packed cells for maximizing light absorption, with the spongy mesophyll beneath containing air spaces for gas exchange.
Transpiration and Gas Exchange
- Transpiration refers to water loss from leaves, which can be replenished through xylem.
- Gas exchange occurs via stomata, allowing uptake of carbon dioxide and release of oxygen during photosynthesis.
Homeostasis in Plants
- Plants regulate stomatal opening to balance water loss from transpiration with the need for photosynthesis, maintaining overall stability.
Leaf Adaptations
- Certain plants, like pitcher plants, have specialized leaves to capture and digest insects for nutrients in poor soils.
Leaf Structure
- Major leaf components include veins, blades, and petioles for supporting and transporting nutrients.
Key Terms
- Apical meristem: The actively growing bud at plant tips.
- Cuticle: A protective, waterproof layer on leaf surfaces.
- Palisade mesophyll: The upper layer of cells beneath the epidermis, crucial for photosynthesis.
- Spongy mesophyll: Contains air spaces, facilitating gas exchange within the leaf.
Root Systems
- Roots can be classified as taproot systems or fibrous root systems, impacting how plants absorb water and nutrients.
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Description
Explore the differences between monocot and dicot stems with these informative flashcards. Each card provides a detailed definition and explanation of the vascular structure and ground tissue in these plant types. Perfect for biology students looking to reinforce their understanding of plant anatomy.