30 XMSS Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is water potential?
Measurement of the potential energy of water in a system.
Water moves from areas of higher (less negative) water potential to lower (more negative) water potential.
How do you interpret positive and negative water potential?
Positive water potential: water tends to move out (e.g., pure water has 0 potential).
Negative water potential: water tends to move into the area (e.g., dry soil, plant roots).
This interpretation helps in understanding water movement in plants.
Where does photosynthesis occur?
In chloroplasts, primarily in the cells of leaves.
Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, which captures light energy.
How do you interpret primary and secondary growth?
Primary growth: elongation of roots and shoots (growth in length, from apical meristems).
Secondary growth: increase in thickness or girth (growth from lateral meristems like vascular cambium).
This distinction is crucial for understanding plant development.
What is the behavior of the pericycle?
A layer of cells inside the root; gives rise to lateral roots.
The pericycle plays a key role in root development.
What is the behavior of the epidermis?
Outermost cell layer; protects against water loss and pathogens.
The epidermis is essential for maintaining plant health.
What is the behavior of the endodermis?
Inner layer of cells that regulates movement of substances into the vascular system; contains Casparian strip.
The endodermis is vital for controlling water and nutrient uptake.
What is the behavior of the root cap?
Protects the root tip as it pushes through soil; secretes mucilage to ease movement.
The root cap is crucial for root growth in challenging soil conditions.
What is phototropism?
Growth of a plant toward or away from light (usually toward light).
Phototropism helps plants maximize light exposure for photosynthesis.
What are photoreceptors?
Light-sensitive proteins or pigments in plants.
They detect light and initiate processes like phototropism, seed germination, and flowering.
