- What is plant physiology?
- The study of how plants function and the processes that occur within them.
- What is photosynthesis?
- The process by which green plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.
- What are chloroplasts?
- Cellular organelles where photosynthesis occurs.
- What is the primary pigment responsible for photosynthesis?
- Chlorophyll.
- What is the equation for photosynthesis?
- 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2.
- What is transpiration?
- The process by which water evaporates from the leaves and stems of plants, primarily through small pores called stomata.
- What is the function of stomata?
- To regulate gas exchange (such as oxygen and carbon dioxide) and transpiration in plants.
- What is respiration in plants?
- The process by which plants break down organic molecules to release energy, similar to animal respiration.
- What is the role of mitochondria in plant cells?
- To produce energy through cellular respiration.
- What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?
- Aerobic respiration requires oxygen, while anaerobic respiration does not.
- What is the function of roots in plants?
- Absorption of water and minerals from the soil, anchoring the plant, and storing nutrients.
- What are root hairs?
- Tiny extensions of root epidermal cells that increase the surface area for absorption of water and minerals.
- What is the function of leaves in plants?
- To carry out photosynthesis and exchange gases with the atmosphere.
- What is the structure of a leaf?
- The outer epidermis, mesophyll tissue, veins, and stomata.
- What is the function of the cuticle on leaves?
- To reduce water loss from the leaf surface.
- What are guard cells?
- Specialized cells surrounding the stomata that control their opening and closing.
- What is the role of auxins in plants?
- To promote cell elongation, stimulate root growth, and regulate phototropism and gravitropism.
- What is phototropism?
- The growth of plants toward light.
- What is gravitropism?
- The growth response of plants to gravity.
- What is the role of gibberellins in plants?
- To promote stem elongation, seed germination, and flowering.
- What is cytokinesis?
- The division of the cytoplasm following mitosis or meiosis, resulting in two daughter cells.
- What are abscisic acid (ABA) and its functions?
- A plant hormone involved in seed dormancy, drought tolerance, and stomatal closure.
- What is ethylene and its functions?
- A plant hormone involved in fruit ripening, seed germination, and abscission (leaf and fruit drop).
- What is the function of xylem in plants?
- To transport water and minerals from the roots to the leaves.
- What is the function of phloem in plants?
- To transport sugars, amino acids, and other organic nutrients throughout the plant.
- What is the pressure flow hypothesis?
- The theory that sugars are actively transported into the phloem at source areas (such as leaves) and move through the phloem to sink areas (such as roots or developing fruits) where they are used or stored.
- What is tropism?
- The growth response of plants to external stimuli such as light, gravity, or touch.
- What is thigmotropism?
- The growth response of plants to touch or mechanical stimuli.
- What is hydrotropism?
- The growth response of plants to water.
- What is geotropism?
- The growth response of plants to gravity.
- What is the function of the apical meristem?
- To promote primary growth (lengthening) of roots and shoots.
- What is the function of the lateral meristem?
- To promote secondary growth (increase in girth) in woody plants.
- What is the role of abscisic acid (ABA) in seed dormancy?
- It inhibits seed germination until conditions are favorable for growth.
- What is the role of ethylene in fruit ripening?
- It triggers the ripening process by promoting the breakdown of cell walls and chlorophyll degradation.
- What is the function of cytokinins in plants?
- To promote cell division, stimulate lateral bud growth, and delay senescence (aging).
- What is the role of gibberellins in seed germination?
- They promote the synthesis of hydrolytic enzymes needed for seed coat degradation and embryo growth.
- What is the function of the apoplast in plants?
- It is the network of cell walls and intercellular spaces through which water and solutes can passively move.
- What is the symplast in plants?
- The continuous network of cytoplasm interconnected by plasmodesmata, allowing for direct cell-to-cell communication and transport.
- What is the function of the Casparian strip?
- It is a waterproof barrier in the endodermis of plant roots that blocks the passive flow of water and ions into the stele, forcing them to pass through the plasma membrane of endodermal cells.
- What is the function of mycorrhizae?
- Symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots that enhance nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus.
- What is the function of stomatal pores?
- To regulate gas exchange (such as oxygen and carbon dioxide) and water loss through transpiration.
- What is the role of salicylic acid in plant defense?
- It activates defense responses against pathogens and pests, such as systemic acquired resistance.
- What is the function of strigolactones in plants?
- They promote the branching of roots and inhibit shoot branching.
- What is the role of jasmonates in plant defense?
- They regulate responses to herbivory, wounding, and pathogens, including the production of defense compounds such as toxins and volatile organic compounds.
- What is the function of ethylene in leaf abscission?
- It triggers the process of leaf senescence and eventual shedding (abscission) in deciduous plants.
- What is the role of phytochromes in plant responses to light?
- They regulate various processes such as seed germination, seedling growth, and flowering in response to red/far-red light ratios.
- What is the function of gibberellins in stem elongation?
- They promote cell elongation and division in stems, leading to increased growth.
- What is the role of abscisic acid (ABA) in stomatal closure?
- It triggers the closure of stomata in response to drought stress to reduce water loss through transpiration.
- What is the function of photoreceptors in plant responses to light?
- They detect changes in light quality, intensity, and duration, regulating various growth and developmental processes.
- What is the role of strigolactones in plant responses to low nutrient availability?
- They promote the symbiotic association with mycorrhizal fungi, enhancing nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus, from the soil.
