CHAPTER 35

PLANT STRUCTURE AND GROWTH

OUTLINE

I. Introduction to Modern Plant Biology

A. Molecular biology is revolutionizing the study of plants

B. Plant biology reflects the major themes in the study of life

II. The Angiosperm Body

A. A plant's root and shoot systems are evolutionary adaptations to living on land

B. Structural adaptations of protoplasts and walls equip plant cells for their specialized functions

C. The cells of a plant are organized into dermal, vascular, and ground tissue systems

III. Plant Growth

A. Meristems generate cells for new organs throughout the lifetime of a plant: an overview of plant growth

B. Primary growth: apical meristems extend roots and shoots by giving rise to the primary plant body

C. Secondary growth: lateral meristems add girth by producing secondary vascular tissue and periderm

OBJECTIVES

After reading this chapter and attending lecture, the student should be able to:

1. List the characteristics of an angiosperm.

2. Explain the differences between monocots and dicots.

3. Describe the importance of root systems and shoot systems to plants and explain how they work together.

4. Explain how taproot systems and fibrous root systems differ.

5. Explain the differences between stolons and rhizomes.

6. Describe how plant cells grow.

7. Distinguish between parenchyma and collenchyma cells with regards to structure and function.

8. Describe the differences in structure and function of the two types of sclerenchyma cells.

9. Explain the importance of tracheids and vessel elements to plants.

10. Distinguish between water-conducting cells and sieve-tube members with regards to structure and function.

11. Explain the differences between simple tissues and complex tissues.

12. Explain the importance of a cuticle on the aerial parts of a plant and its absence on roots.

13. Describe the functions of the dermal tissue system, vascular tissue system and ground tissue system.

14. Distinguish among annual, biennial, and perennial plants.

15. Explain the importance of the zones of cell division, cell elongation, and cell differentiation in primary growth of

roots.

16. Explain the importance of the endodermis to a plant.

17. Describe the importance of an apical meristem to the primary growth of shoots.

18. Distinguish between the arrangement of vascular tissues in roots and shoots.

19. Describe how "wood" forms due to secondary growth of stems.

20. Using a diagram, describe the basic structure of a root, a stem, and a leaf.