Plant Tissue Types and Functions

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of xylem in plants?

Transporting nutrients and sugars throughout the plant

Supporting the plant structure against gravity

Storing food and water in the roots

Transporting water and dissolved minerals up the stem (correct)

Which statement accurately describes the structure of xylem vessels?

Xylem vessels are narrow to maximize capillary action (correct)

Xylem vessels are alive and filled with nutrients

Xylem vessels have large vacuoles to aid in storage

Xylem vessels contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis

What property of lignin in xylem contributes significantly to its function?

It helps in the photosynthesis process within xylem

It provides waterproofing and mechanical strength (correct)

It allows cells to remain alive to transport water

It makes cells flexible and capable of storing water

What characteristic is unique to sieve tube cells in phloem?

They lack a nucleus and have no ribosomes Signup and view all the answers

How does ground tissue primarily contribute to the plant’s overall structure?

By storing energy and structural support Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of phloem in plants?

Transports food and other materials up and down the stem Signup and view all the answers

Which feature distinguishes the vascular bundles in monocot leaves from those in dicot leaves?

Monocots have parallel veins, dicots have branched veins Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of stomata in the epidermis of leaves?

To allow for gaseous exchange and transpiration Signup and view all the answers

In the context of plant tissues, what role does ground tissue primarily serve?

Facilitates photosynthesis and storage Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the stalk that connects the leaf blade to the stem?

Petiole Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the structure in the stem which allows for vegetative reproduction in strawberries?

Runner Signup and view all the answers

In older plants, what additional layer can form over the epidermis for insulation and protection?

Cork Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the leaf forms the largest vein that runs up the center?

Midrib Signup and view all the answers

What type of plants are mainly characterized by being pollinated by wind and having small, dull flowers?

Non-flowering plants Signup and view all the answers

Which function is performed primarily by leaves during their lifecycle?

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Plant Cells and Tissues

Chloroplasts are present in plant cells, where photosynthesis primarily occurs.
Ground tissue serves multiple functions: storage of food and water in stems and roots, protection by filling space, and providing support to non-woody plants through turgidity.

Vascular Tissue

Comprised of complex structures including Xylem and Phloem.

Xylem

Xylem vessels are narrow, maximizing capillary action; found in angiosperms.
Mature xylem vessels are heavily lignified for strength, enabling them to withstand water transport tension.

Tracheids

Thickened with lignin, making them waterproof and strong; these cells are dead and contain no cell contents.
Tapered ends and perforations facilitate the movement of water and minerals; lignin is absent in pits to allow lateral water movement.
Function of Xylem: Transports water and minerals upward in the stem and provides structural support against gravity.

Phloem

Composed of sieve tube cells that lack a nucleus, ribosomes, and other large cell structures; transports food and materials in both directions.
Some plants, like potatoes, use stems for food storage; strawberries reproduce vegetatively through runners.

Leaf Structure and Function

Composed of a petiole (stalk) and lamina (blade); vascular bundles create raised veins.
Leaves have varied vein structures; monocots feature parallel veins, dicots have branched veins.
The midrib runs centrally; the angle between the petiole and stem is called the axil, housing the axillary bud.
Leaf Functions: Primary role in photosynthesis, with a large surface area for maximum light capture; some leaves store food (ex: cabbage, onion) and excrete waste through shedding.

Floral Structure

Flowers are organs of sexual reproduction, often large and colorful to attract pollinators; smaller flowers typically rely on wind for pollination.

Dermal Tissue

Acts as the protective outer layer; in older plants, cork may insulate and protect.
Stomata in leaves permit gaseous exchange and transpiration; woody stems have lenticels for gas exchange.

Ground Tissue

Functions include photosynthesis through spongy and palisade mesophyll layers in leaves.

Blood Vessels

Three primary types: Arteries, Capillaries, and Veins.

Arteries

Small lumen, thick walls composed of collagen and muscle; carry oxygenated blood (except pulmonary artery) away from the heart.
Blood flows rapidly and under high pressure; no valves are present.

Veins

Larger lumen, thin walls; transport deoxygenated blood (except pulmonary vein) to the heart.
Blood flow is slow and aided by valves to prevent backflow and maintain a steady rate.

Capillaries

Tiny lumen, with walls only one cell thick (endothelium) for material exchange; can carry both oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
Blood flow is slow to facilitate exchange processes; no pulse is evident.

Arterioles

Small arteries that branch out from larger arteries, serving as connections to capillaries.

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Description

This quiz explores the functions and structures of various plant tissues, including ground tissue and vascular tissue. Key concepts such as photosynthesis in chloroplasts and the roles of xylem and phloem will be covered. Test your knowledge of plant biology and how different tissues contribute to plant health.