A |
|
abcission
zone |
n. |
A
weakened layer of cells at the base of a leaf or fruit that
allows the leaf or fruit to separate from the plant without
injuring it. |
|
|
abscise |
v. |
A flower, leaf, fruit,
or other plant part separating from the plant at the abscission
zone. |
|
|
abscisic
acid |
n. |
A
plant growth regulator involved in the fruit ripening process. |
|
|
accessory
fruit |
n. |
A false fruit, whose
fleshy parts are not derived from the ovary. |
|
|
adhesion |
n. |
The sticking together
of unlike objects or materials. |
|
|
adventitious
root |
n. |
Root
that forms on shoot tissue. |
|
|
adventitious
shoot |
n. |
Shoot
that forms on root tissue. |
|
|
aggregate
fruit |
n. |
A fruit derived from
the separate ovaries of a single flower. |
|
|
alkaloids |
n. |
Bitter-tasting
compounds found in many plants, especially in the nightshade
family (Solanaceae). |
|
|
allelopathy |
n. |
A
form of chemical protection in which a plant produces substances
that inhibit the growth of nearby plants. |
|
|
alternation
of generations |
n. |
Describes
the phenomenon in the plant kingdom in which plants alternate
between a sporophyte phase and a gametophyte phase. |
|
|
amino
acid |
n. |
Nitrogen-containing
organic compounds; the building blocks from which proteins are
formed. |
|
|
angiosperm |
n. |
Derived
from the words for "vessel" and "seed";
a grouping of plants whose seeds are borne in protective structures. |
|
|
annual |
adj. |
Describes
a plant that germinates, grows, flowers, and produces seeds
all in one growing season. |
|
|
anther |
n. |
The part of the stamen-the
male reproductive structure-that contains the pollen. |
|
|
anthocyanin |
n. |
Red or blue pigment found
in the cell sap. |
|
|
antitranspirants |
n. |
A
substance sprayed on plant leaves to reduce the rate of transpiration
and conserve moisture. |
|
|
apical
bud |
n. |
A
bud at the uppermost tip of a stem. |
|
|
apical
dominance |
n. |
The
suppression of growth in lower buds and branches by the uppermost,
or apical, bud. |
|
|
apical
meristem |
n. |
A
region of actively-dividing cells at the tip of a root or stem;
growth results in an increase in length. |
|
|
aquaponics |
n. |
The integration of hydroponics
(growing plants without soil) and aquaculture (the cultivation
of the natural produce of water such as fish or shellfish). |
|
|
asexual
propagation |
n. |
Any
means of multiplying plants that do not involve the union of
gametes, and depend on mitotic, rather then meiotic, cell division. |
|
|
asexual
reproduction |
n. |
Propagation
by means of plant parts; examples include new plants generated
by creeping stems, bulb offsets, and layering. |
|
|
atom |
n. |
The
basic unit of matter. The smallest unit into which a chemical
element can be broken and still retain its characteristics. |
|
|
auxin |
n. |
A
plant growth regulator that controls cell elongation; important
in many plant growth responses such as phototropism and geotropism. |
|
|
axillary
bud |
n. |
A
bud located in the axil of a leaf, at the joint where the leaf
meets the stem. |
B |
|
biennial |
adj. |
Describes
a plant that grows for two years; it germinates and grows foliage
the first season, and produces flowers and seeds the next season. |
|
|
bilateral
symmetry |
n. |
Flower type that can
be divided into two symmetrical halves only by a single longitudinal
plane passing through the axis. |
|
|
binomial |
adj. |
Consisting
of two names; for example, a botanical name consists of the
genus name followed by the species epithet. |
|
|
bio-engineered |
adj. |
Organisms
created using genetic engineering. |
|
|
biodiversity |
n. |
The number of different
species-plants or animals-in an area. |
|
|
bloom |
n. |
A
powdery, bluish-white coating on some plants leaves and
fruits. When a plant parts waxy cuticle occurs in tiny
rodlets that protrude from the surface, it results in a visible
bloom. (Also, another word for flower.) |
|
|
budding |
n. |
A
form of grafting in which a bud is inserted under the bark of
another plant. |
|
|
bulb |
n. |
Modified
stem consisting of fleshy leaf bases; used for food storage
and asexual propagation. |
C |
|
carbohydrate |
n. |
An
organic molecule consisting of a chain of glucose molecules;
includes sugars, starches, and cellulose. |
|
|
carotenoid |
n. |
Photosynthetic accessory
pigment contained within the chloroplast. Carotenes and xanthophylls
are carotenoids. |
|
|
cellulose |
n. |
A
large molecule made up of a chain of glucose molecules; found
primarily in plant cell walls. |
|
|
centromere |
n. |
Location on a chromosome
where sister chromatids are held together. |
|
|
chilling
requirement |
n. |
The
number of hours a plant must be exposed to temperatures between
32ºF and 45ºF before it will break dormancy. |
|
|
chlorophyll |
n. |
A
green plant pigment; found in chloroplasts and necessary for
photosynthesis. |
|
|
chloroplasts |
n. |
Structures
found within some plant cells; they contain chlorophyll and
are the sites of photosynthesis. |
|
|
chlorotic |
adj. |
Describes
abnormally pale, weak-looking foliage due to reduced chlorophyll
content; often caused by a nitrogen or iron deficiency. |
|
|
chromatin |
n. |
The
genetic material stored in a cells nucleus, made up of
DNA and nuclear proteins. |
|
|
chromosomes |
n. |
Genetic
material (chromatin) in a cells nucleus that has become
condensed into strands in preparation for cell division. |
|
|
class |
n. |
A
group of orders sharing similar characteristics. |
|
|
cloning |
n. |
The
duplication of an organism by asexual means. |
|
|
cohesion |
n. |
The mutual attraction
of molecules of the same substance. |
|
|
cohesion-tension
theory |
n. |
Theory used to explain
the movement of water through the xylem from the bottom to the
top of plants. When water evaporates from the surface of a cell,
tension is created, pulling water molecules up towards that
surface. Due to the cohesiveness of water molecules, this tension
is transferred the entire way down the xylem, effectively pulling
water to the top of the plant. |
|
|
commensalism |
n. |
Relationship
of two or more organisms in which one organism benefits and
the other is unaffected. |
|
|
complete |
adj. |
This term describes a
flower that contains all four whorls-petals, sepals, pistil
and stamen. |
|
|
compound |
n. |
A
substance composed of one type of molecule. |
|
|
compound leaf |
n. |
A divided leaf whose
blade is composed of two or more leaflets. |
|
|
consumer |
n. |
An organism that consumes
other organisms to acquire the food that it is unable to synthesize
on its own. |
|
|
cork
cambium |
n. |
A
type of lateral meristem located just under the bark that gives
rise to new outer bark. |
|
|
corm |
n. |
Swollen
leaf base enclosed in scale-like leaves, used for food storage
and asexual propagation. |
|
|
cotyledon |
n. |
A
food storage structure within a seed, which provides nourishment
for the embryo during germination. |
|
|
cultivar |
n. |
Short
for cultivated variety. A unique plant that is the result of
breeding efforts by horticulturists. Written in single quotes
in plain text after species name. |
|
|
cuticle |
n. |
A
protective waxy coating on the epidermis of leaves, herbaceous
stems, and fruit. |
|
|
cutin |
n. |
The
waxy substance that forms the cuticle layer, providing a protective
coating on the epidermis of leaves, herbaceous stems, and fruit. |
|
|
cutting |
n. |
Propagation
method that involves inducing adventitious roots or shoots on
a plant part. |
|
|
cytokinin |
n. |
A
plant growth regulator that stimulates cell division. |
|
|
cytoplasm |
n. |
The
liquid component of a plant cell in which various structures
are suspended. |
D |
|
dark
reaction |
n. |
The
second step in the process of photosynthesis, during which simple
sugars are manufactured; light is not required. |
|
|
day-neutral |
adj. |
Describes
plants for which flower initiation is not dependent upon day
length. |
|
|
decoction |
n. |
The liquid produced when
bark, stems, and roots (difficult to dissolve because of the
presence of lignin) are finely chopped and boiled in water for
10 to 20 minutes after they have been soaked for 12 hours. |
|
|
decomposer |
n. |
Organisms, such as bacteria
and fungi, that break down dead organic matter. |
|
|
decomposition |
n. |
The breaking down of
organic matter by organisms such as bacteria and fungi. |
|
|
deoxyribonucleic acid
(DNA) |
n. |
Nucleic acid-located
within a cell's chromosome-that carries the genetic information
for an individual. |
|
|
dichotomous key |
n. |
A key used to identify
organisms where exactly two mutually exclusive alternatives
are offered at each choice. |
|
|
dicot |
n. |
A
class of angiosperms in which the seeds cotyledons occur
in pairs. |
|
|
dioecious |
adj. |
Describes
plants in which the male and female flowers occur on separate
plants. |
|
|
diploid |
adj. |
Describes
cells in which the chromosomes occur in pairs; somatic cells,
which make up the bulk of the cells in the plant body, are diploid.
Often abbreviated as 2n. |
|
|
disaccharide |
n. |
A
sugar made up of two monosaccharide molecules bound together;
an example is sucrose, or table sugar. |
|
|
disk flowers |
n. |
The small, tubular flowers
in the center of the inflorescence of plants in the Daisy family. |
|
|
division |
n. |
A
group of classes sharing similar characteristics. |
|
|
dominant
trait |
n. |
A
characteristic determined by a gene that hides, or masks, the
comparable but recessive gene; this characteristic will be expressed
if the dominant gene is present on one or both chromosomes. |
|
|
drupe |
n. |
A simple, fleshy fruit
whose inner wall is hard. Examples include peaches and cherries. |
E |
|
electron transport
chain |
n. |
The third stage in respiration,
during which electrons pass through a chain, releasing energy
as they go. |
|
|
element |
n. |
A
substance composed of one type of atom. |
|
|
embryo |
n. |
Multi-celled
structure resulting from the repeated cell division of the zygote. |
|
|
endosperm |
n. |
A
temporary food storage tissue in seeds, created by the fusion
of one sperm cell plus the two polar nuclei, and therefore often
triploid. |
|
|
epidermis |
n. |
The
outermost layer of cells on leaves, roots, and herbaceous stems. |
|
|
epiphyte |
n. |
A
plant that grows on the body of another plant, but draws no
nutrients from it. |
|
|
essential
amino acid |
n. |
One
of the eight amino acids the human body cannot synthesize, and
therefore a vital nutrient in the human diet. |
|
|
ethnobotany |
n. |
The study of the relationship
between plants and people. |
|
|
ethylene |
n. |
A
plant growth regulator produced by ripening tissues; stimulates
cell walls to soften. |
|
|
etiolation |
n.
|
The
condition in which a plant has pale, underdeveloped leaves and
extended internodes; ususally caused by insufficient light. |
|
|
expression |
n. |
The
way a trait shows up in an organism. |
F |
|
F1
or first filial generation |
n. |
The
offspring resulting from a cross between two pure parent lines. |
|
|
F2
or second filial generation |
n. |
The
offspring resulting from cross- or self-pollination of the F1
generation. |
|
|
family |
n. |
A
group or genera sharing similar characteristics. |
|
|
fertilization |
n. |
The
successful union of egg and sperm. |
|
|
fibrous
root system |
n. |
A
root system consisting of highly branched, spreading roots. |
|
|
filament |
n. |
The stalk of the stamen-the
male reproductive structure-upon which the anther is located. |
|
|
nitrogen
fixation |
n. |
A
process in which a type of soil-dwelling bacteria, in association
with the roots of certain plants (such as legumes), convert
nitrogen in the air into a form that plants can use. |
|
|
flower |
n. |
A
specialized shoot of a plant bearing its reproductive structures. |
|
|
fruit |
n. |
The
matured ovary of a plant; contains the seeds. |
G |
|
gametes |
n. |
Haploid
cells (egg and sperm), the fusion of which results in the creation
of a new organism. Also called reproductive cells or sex cells. |
|
|
gametophyte
generation |
n. |
The
phase of growth in which gametes, or sex cells, are produced. |
|
|
gene |
n. |
The
basic unit of inheritance; occur along the chromosomes. |
|
|
genera |
n. |
The
plural of genus. |
|
|
generative
cell |
n. |
One
of two cells that make up a pollen grain; upon successful pollination,
it divides to form two sperm. |
|
|
genetic
engineering |
n. |
The
process of taking genetic material from one organism and inserting
it into the nucleus of another organism, the result of which
is an organism whose cells contain the introduced genes. |
|
|
genus |
n. |
The
"generic" name of a plant; in plant classification,
refers to a group of related plants. |
|
|
geotropism
|
n. |
The
bending of a plant organ in response to gravity; also called
gravitropism. |
|
|
germ |
n. |
The term used for the
embryo within the fruits of the grass family (grains). |
|
|
germination |
n. |
The beginning of growth
by a spore, seed, bud, or other structure. |
|
|
gibberellin |
n. |
A
plant growth regulator that controls the elongation of internodes. |
|
|
glaucous |
adj. |
Describes
a plant part with a visible bloom. |
|
|
glycolysis |
n. |
The breakdown of glucose
during respiration resulting in the release of energy (ADP;
adenosine diphosophate). |
|
|
grafting |
n. |
Propagation
method in which two pieces of live plant tissue are united by
placing their meristems in contact. |
|
|
gravitropism |
n. |
The
bending of a plant organ in response to gravity; also called
geotropism. |
|
|
guard
cells |
n. |
Pairs
of cells surrounding the stomata, or pores, on a leaf or stem.
Swelling or shrinking of the guard cells opens or closes the
stomata, depending on the needs of the plant and environmental
conditions. |
|
|
guttation |
n. |
Exudation
of excess water; appears as droplets on the tips and margins
of leaves. |
|
|
gymnosperm |
n. |
Literally,
"naked seed", a grouping of plants that produces seed
that is borne exposed, rather than in a protective structure. |
H |
|
haploid |
adj. |
Describes
cells in which the chromosomes occur singly (as opposed to occurring
in pairs); reproductive cells are haploid. Often abbreviated
as n. |
|
|
hardening
off |
n. |
A
process by which a plant is gradually acclimated to a new environment.
The term often refers to the adjustment period necessary to
allow indoor-grown plants to grow accustomed to the harsher
(cooler, windier, sunnier) outdoor environment. |
|
|
herbaceous |
adj. |
Soft
and green; describes primary growth tissues containing little
or no woody growth. |
|
|
homologous |
adj. |
Describes
the two similar chromosomes that form a pair in a diploid cell. |
|
|
humus |
n. |
Organic matter decomposing
in the soil. |
|
|
hybrid |
adj. |
Offspring
resulting from cross-breeding plants. |
|
|
hybrid |
n. |
Iin
botany, offspring resulting from sexual reproduction between
two plants; in horticulture, used to describe F1 crosses having
mixed ancestry that are the products of plant breeding efforts,
and do not grow true from seed. |
|
|
hybrid
vigor |
n. |
The
increase in vigor, size, fertility, or other positive characteristic
of a hybrid compared with its parents. |
I |
|
imbibition |
n. |
The absorption of water
into and resultant swelling of a dry seed before germination. |
|
|
imperfect |
adj. |
This term describes a
flower that is lacking either the male or female reproductive
structures. |
|
|
incomplete |
adj. |
This term describes a
flower that is missing one or more of the four whorls-petals,
sepals, pistil, or stamen. |
|
|
incomplete
dominance |
n. |
The
relationship between two genes, neither of which fully masks
the expression of the other. |
|
|
indehiscent |
adj. |
Used to describe fruits
that do not open to disperse their seeds at maturity. |
|
|
intercalary
meristem |
n. |
A
meristem located between non-dividing tissues, such as near
the base of a blade of grass. |
|
|
infusion |
n. |
The
liquid produced when leaves and flowers are stepped in hot water,
releasing their active ingredients. |
|
|
internode |
n. |
The part of the stem
that is located between to successive nodes. |
|
|
invasive plant |
n. |
A non-native plant that
has the ability to outcompete and displace native vegetation. |
K |
|
Krebs cycle |
n. |
The second stage of respiration
during which carbon dioxide is produced from the breaking down
of pyruvate molecules. |
L |
|
lateral
meristem |
n. |
A
region of actively-dividing cells located along the length of
a root or stem; growth results in an increase in girth. |
|
|
layering |
n. |
Propagation
method that induces rooting while daughter plant is still attached
to parent plant. |
|
|
leaf |
n. |
A
plant structure consisting of an outgrowth arising from a stem
or branch. Most leaves are green and contain chlorophyll.The
primary function of a leaf is to capture sunlight for photosynthesis. |
|
|
leaf
blade |
n. |
The
broad, flat part of a leaf whose primary function is to capture
sunlight for photosynthesis. |
|
|
legume |
n. |
A member of the Fabaceae,
the pea or bean, family. |
|
|
lenticel |
n. |
A
pore on the surface of young woody stems; provides a pathway
for air to reach inner tissues. |
|
|
light
duration |
n. |
A
measure of the amount of time a source of light is illuminated;
usually represented by the number of hours of light in a 24-hour
period. |
|
|
light
intensity |
n. |
A
measure of the brightness of light reaching a surface. Light
intensity decreases as the distance from the source of the light
increases. |
|
|
light
quality |
n. |
An
analysis of the color, or wavelengths, of light from a given
source. |
|
|
light
reaction |
n. |
The
first step in the process of photosynthesis, which begins when
the chlorophyll molecule absorbs a photon; light is required. |
|
|
lignin |
n. |
An
important constituent of many secondary cell walls that increases
the cell walls hardness and strength. |
|
|
lipid |
n. |
A
category of organic macromolecules including fats and oils. |
|
|
long-day |
adj. |
Describes
plants that initiate flowers when day length is longer than
their critical day length. |
M |
|
macrofibril |
n. |
A
structure made up of several microfibrils wound together into
a "cable;" provide the framework for the plant cell
wall. |
|
|
macromolecules |
n. |
Relatively
large molecules made up of smaller molecules bound together
with chemical bonds. |
|
|
macronutrients |
n. |
The
mineral nutrients that plants require in relatively large quantities;
includes carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium,
calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. |
|
|
megaspore |
n. |
Haploid
cells formed by meiosis in plants; divide by mitosis to form
several daughter cells, one of which functions as the egg cell. |
|
|
meiosis |
n. |
Cell
division that results in four haploid daughter cells. |
|
|
meristem |
n. |
A
region of actively-dividing cells. |
|
|
mesophyll |
n. |
The
tissue sandwiched between the epidermal layers of a leaf; containing
both the palisade cells and the spongy cells. |
|
|
metabolic |
adj. |
The chemical processes
occurring within a living cell or organism. |
|
|
microbe |
n. |
A minute organism. |
|
|
microfibril
|
n. |
A
structure made up of several cellulose molecules united into
a thread-like strand. |
|
|
micronutrients |
n. |
The
mineral nutrients that plants require in relatively small quantities
includes magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, molybdenum,
and boron. |
|
|
micropyle |
n. |
The opening in the ovule
where the pollen tube enters. |
|
|
microspore |
|
Haploid
cells formed by meiosis in plants; divide by mitosis to form
pollenprecursor to the sperm cell. |
|
|
middle
lamella |
n. |
A
pectin-rich layer between adjoining plant cell walls, cementing
them together. |
|
|
mitochondria |
n. |
A double-membrane-bounded
organelle found in eukaryotic cells. |
|
|
mitosis |
n. |
Cell
division that results in two daughter cells that are genetically
identical to the parent cell. |
|
|
molecule |
n. |
The
smallest unit of a compound; consists of two or more different
atoms in a specific ratio and configuration, held together with
chemical bonds. |
|
|
monocot |
n. |
A
class of angiosperms in which the seeds cotyledons occur
singly. |
|
|
monoecious |
adj. |
Describes
plants with separate male and female flowers. |
|
|
monosaccharide |
n. |
A
simple sugar made up of a chain or ring of carbon atoms to which
hydrogen and oxygen atoms are attached. |
|
|
mordant |
n. |
A chemical agent that
fixes dye to fabric. |
|
|
multiple fruit |
n. |
The fruit that results
from the fusion of the ovaries of flowers that are growing very
close to one another on a shared flower stalk. |
|
|
mutation |
n. |
A
random genetic variation that is passed on to offspring. |
|
|
mutualism |
n. |
Relationship
of two or more organisms in which both organisms benefit. |
N |
|
nastic
movement |
n. |
Movement
of plant parts not associated with a specific stimulus such
as light or gravity. |
|
|
natural
selection |
n. |
A
process by which the healthiest, strongest, and most well-adapted
organisms flourish and reproduce. |
|
|
nodes |
n. |
Sites
on a stem where the leaves and axillary buds are attached. |
|
|
non-native plant |
n. |
A plant that has been
introduced-either intentionally or accidentally-into an area
in which it was not found previously. |
|
|
nucleus |
n. |
A
structure within a plant cell; controls cell functions, including
inheritance. |
O |
|
order |
n. |
A
group of families sharing similar characteristics. |
|
|
organelle |
n. |
A membrane-bound part
of the cell that has a specialized function. |
|
|
organic |
adj. |
Refers
to substances containing carbon; pertaining to living organisms. |
|
|
osmosis |
n. |
The movement of water
across a differentially permeable membane, from a place where
water concentration is higher to one where the concentration
is lower. |
|
|
ovary |
n. |
A
female reproductive structure, containing ovules, usually found
at the basal portion of the flower. After pollination, the ovary
matures into a fruit; the ovules develop into seeds. |
|
|
ovule |
n. |
A
female reproductive structure which, upon fertilization, develops
into a seed. |
|
|
oxidative phosphorylation |
n. |
The last stage of respiration,
during which ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is formed from ADP
(adenosine diphosphate). |
P |
|
palisade
cells |
n. |
A
layer of closely-packed, elongated cells located just beneath
the upper epidermis of a leaf. These cells contain chloroplasts,
and are the main sites of photosynthesis. |
|
|
parasite |
n. |
An
organism that derives some or all its nutrients from another
organism. |
|
|
pathogen |
n. |
A disease-causing organism. |
|
|
pectin |
n. |
A
gluey substance found in the middle lamella between adjoining
cell walls that cements the adjoining cells together. |
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perennial |
adj. |
Describes
a plant that lives for more than two years; commonly used to
describe herbaceous (non-woody) plants. |
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perfect |
adj. |
This term describes a
flower that has both male and female reproductive structures. |
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|
petiole |
n. |
The
stalk or support that attaches the blade of a leaf to the stem. |
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phloem |
n. |
The
food-conducting tissues of plants; part of the vascular system. |
|
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photoperiodism |
n. |
The
initiation of flowering based on the relative amounts of darkness
and light in a 24-hour period. |
|
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photosynthesis |
n. |
The
process by which plants use light energy to manufacture sugars. |
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phototropism |
n. |
The
bending of a plant organ in response to light. |
|
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phytochrome |
n. |
A light-sensitive protein
pigment involved inthe photoperiodic response. |
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|
pigment |
n. |
A substance that absorbs
light. |
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pistil |
n. |
The female reproductive
structure. |
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plant
growth regulators |
n. |
Chemical
messengers within the plant body that control growth. |
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plastids |
n. |
Structures
found in plant cells; often contain pigments. |
|
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pollen tube |
n. |
A long, hollow tube formed
by the pollen grain's tube cell that penetrates the pistil's
tissues to reach the egg cell. |
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pollination |
n. |
The successful transfer
of pollen from the anther to a receptive stigma. |
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|
pollinator |
n. |
Any
organism responsible for transferring pollen to stigma of flowers,
including bees and other insects, small rodents, and bats. Many
plants require a specific pollinator. |
|
|
polyploid |
adj. |
Used to describe a nucleus
with more than two complete sets of chromosomes. |
|
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polysaccharide |
n. |
A
carbohydrate composed of many monosaccharide units bound together
in a long chain; examples include cellulose and starch. |
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pome |
n. |
A simple, fleshy fruit.
Examples include pears and apples. |
|
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poultice |
n. |
Moistened herbs applied
directly to the skin and held in place with a bandage. |
|
|
primary
growth |
n. |
Growth
arising from cell division and elongation in the regions of
apical meristems. |
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primary wall |
n. |
The initial layer of
a plant cell wall. |
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producer |
n. |
An organism that manufactures
complex organic molecules from simple inorganic substances.
In most ecosystems, producers are photosynthetic organisms. |
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protein |
n. |
A
category of organic macromolecules composed of many amino acids
chemically bound together. |
R |
|
ray flowers |
n. |
The flowers that surround
the disk flowers in the inflorescence of plants in the Daisy
family. |
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recessive
trait |
n. |
A
characteristic whose expression is masked by the presence of
the comparable dominant gene; this characteristic will be expressed
only if both genes are recessive. |
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replication |
n. |
The exact duplication
of the genetic material within a cell. |
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reproductive
cells |
n. |
Haploid
cells (egg and sperm), the fusion of which results in the creation
of a new organism. Also called gametes or sex cells. |
|
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respiration |
n. |
The
process of breaking chemical bonds in carbohydrates to release
the energy necessary to perform metabolic functions. |
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rhizobium |
n. |
Bacteria that form a
symbiotic relationship with plants in the legume family, resulting
in the ability of the members of this family to fix atmospheric
nitrogen. |
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rhizome |
n. |
Horizontal
underground stem; may be fleshy or not. Used for food storage
and asexual propagation. |
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roots |
n. |
The
plant part generally found underground; responsible for anchoring
the plant as well as water and nutrient uptake. |
|
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rosette |
n. |
Aboveground vegetative
growth that is present in certain species before flowering in
which the leaves are present but the internodes between them
are not elongated. |
S |
|
saprophyte |
n. |
An
organism that fills its nutritional needs from dead and decaying
organic matter. |
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scarification |
n. |
Abrading or softening
of the seed coat to encourage germination. |
|
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secondary
growth |
n. |
Growth
arising from cell division and elongation in the regions of
lateral meristems. |
|
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secondary
wall |
n. |
A
second layer of cell wall laid down by the protoplast inside
the primary wall. |
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seed |
n. |
The
fertilized and matured ovule of a flowering plant, containing
an embryonic plant, and which, on being placed under favorable
circumstances, develops into an individual similar to the one
that produced it. |
|
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seed
coat |
n. |
The
hard, protective coating covering a seed. |
|
|
seedless
plants |
n. |
A
category of evolutionarily primitive plants that do not form
seeds. Includes mosses and ferns. |
|
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seta |
n. |
In
mosses, the tall, stem-like structures on which spore capsules
are borne. |
|
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sexual
reproduction |
n. |
The
creation of offspring from the union of egg and sperm. |
|
|
shoot
system |
n. |
The
aboveground portion of a plant, consisting of the stem and leaves. |
|
|
short-day |
adj. |
Describes
plants that initiate flowers when day length is shorter than
their critical day length. |
|
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simple fruit |
n. |
The fruit that develops
from a single pistil on a single flower. |
|
|
simple leaf |
n. |
An undivided leaf that
has only a single blade. |
|
|
sister chromatids |
n. |
Genetic material composed
of one original chromosome and one exact duplicate produced
during replication. |
|
|
somatic
cells |
n. |
Diploid
cells that make up the bulk of the plant body; all cells in
a plant that are not reproductive cells. |
|
|
species |
n. |
The
"specific" name of a plant; used to describe a plant
within a genus. |
|
|
specificity |
n. |
The
degree to which two organisms must be compatible before a relationship
will form. |
|
|
spongy
cells |
n. |
A
layer of loosely-packed cells located beneath the palisade cells
of a leaf. The spaces between the cells allow for the exchange
of gases necessary for photosynthesis. |
|
|
spore |
n. |
The
product of meiosis in plants; germinates to form the gametophyte
generation. |
|
|
sporophyte
generation |
n. |
The
phase of growth in which spores are formed. |
|
|
starch |
n. |
A
carbohydrate composed of several hundred glucose units; the
chief food storage substance in plants. |
|
|
stamen |
n. |
The male reproductive
structure in the flower-composed of the anther and the filament-where
pollen produced. |
|
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stem |
n. |
The
leaf- and flower-bearing part of a plant. |
|
|
stem nodes |
n. |
The location on the stem
where branches or leaves are attached. |
|
|
stigma |
n. |
The sticky surface of
the stigma where pollen is received and on which pollen germinates. |
|
|
stipule |
n.
|
Small,
leaf-like outgrowth found at the base of a leaf stalk. |
|
|
stolon |
n. |
Horizontal
creeping aboveground stem; sprouts new plants at nodes. |
|
|
stomata |
n. |
Tiny
pores in the epidermal cells of leaves and stems; most numerous
on the undersides of leaves. (Singular: stoma or stomate. Plural:
stomata or stomates). |
|
|
stratification |
n. |
Exposure
of seeds to cool temperatures to break dormancy and encourage
germination. |
|
|
stroma |
n. |
The structure within
the chloroplast where the dark reactions of photosynthesis take
place. |
|
|
style |
n. |
The column of tissue
that stretches from the ovary to the stigma through which the
pollen tube grows. |
|
|
succession |
n. |
The sequence of changes
in the vegetative composition of a community from initial colonization
to climax. |
|
|
sucker |
n. |
Shoot
arising from adventitious bud on underground root; sometimes
used to describe any shoots arising at the base of a plant. |
|
|
symbiosis |
n. |
Relationship
of two or more organisms living in close association. |
T |
|
taproot
system |
n. |
A
root system consisting of one or more prominent, swollen roots
with few side roots; often a food-storage structure. |
|
|
taxonomist |
n. |
A scientist who specializes
in the classification of organisms. |
|
|
terrarium |
n. |
An enclosure for raising
plants or animals indoors. |
|
|
thigmotropism |
n.
|
The
reaction of a plant in response to physical contact. |
|
|
thylakoid |
n. |
The structure within
the chloroplast where the light reactions of photosynthesis
take place. |
|
|
tissue
culture |
n. |
Propagation
method that produces many plants from one or a few initial cells.
Must be done under sterile, controlled conditions. |
|
|
trait |
n. |
An
inherited physical or physiological characteristic. |
|
|
transgenic |
adj. |
Organisms
created using genetic engineering. |
|
|
transpiration |
n. |
The
loss of water vapor from a plant; most of this water escapes
from open stomata. |
|
|
triploid |
adj. |
Describes
a plant cell in which the chromosomes occur in threes. |
|
|
tube
cell |
n. |
One
of two cells that make up a pollen grain; upon successful pollination,
it germinates and grows into the pollen tube. |
|
|
tuber |
n. |
Swollen
tip of an underground stem, used for food storage and asexual
propagation. |
|
|
tuberous
root |
n. |
Enlarged
secondary root, used for food storage and asexual propagation. |
|
|
tuberous
stem |
n. |
Swollen
section on underground portion of main stem, used for food storage
and asexual propagation. |
|
|
turgor
pressure |
n. |
The
pressure within a plant cell; maintained by osmosis. |
V |
|
variegated |
adj. |
Describes
leaves or petals exhibiting an irregular, inherited pattern
of color. |
|
|
variety |
n. |
A
population within a species that differs from other members
of the species in some significant way. Written in italics after
the species name. |
|
|
vascular
cambium |
n. |
A
type of lateral meristem that gives rise to new xylem (wood)
and phloem (inner bark). |
|
|
vascular
tissues |
n. |
Food-
or water-conducting tissues. |
|
|
vermiculture |
n. |
Worm composting. |
|
|
vernalization |
n. |
The
promotion of flowering due to exposure to low temperatures,
or chilling. |
W |
|
whorl |
n. |
A circle of flower parts
of one kind. Most flowers are composed of four whorls: petals,
sepals, stamen, and pistil. |
X |
|
xylem |
n. |
The
water-conducting tissues of plants; part of the vascular system. |
Z |
|
zygote |
n. |
The
cell created by the union of egg and sperm; divides to become
the embryo. |