Introduction to plants

Characteristics Eukaryotic All have tissues Cell walls have cellulose Most contain chlorophyll and other pigment Most are autotrophic Some heterotrophic and parasitic All reproduce sexually

Preventing moisture loss Cuticle- a waxy covering to prevent water loss Stomata are pores that allow for gas exchange and water prevention. Guard cells open and close stomata.

3 Major Groups of Plants Classification is based upon the presence /absence of vascular tissue and seeds. Non-Vascular Plants Vascular plants without seeds Vascular plants with Seeds

Non-Vascular Plants Mosses! Bryophytes Lack true roots, stems and roots because they so not contain vascular tissues. Reproduce using spores NOT seeds. Key features Small size- water and nutrients are absorbed directly from the surroundings Alteration of Generation Life Cycle- gametophyte is larger than sporophytes Need water for reproduction. Sperm is stored in antheridia and eggs are stored in archegonia. Non-vascular plants do not grow large, because they cannot transport water a long distance, and are limited to damp shady areas, because in the sun they dry out. They reproduce by spores, rather than seeds and their reproductive cycle involves two distinct, external stages, (essentially two different plants) which does not happen in plants with seeds.

Water is needed for the sperm to fertilize the egg.

2 other non-vascular plants liverworts and hornworts

Uses of non-vascular plants Peat moss is used as a fuel Gardeners use peat moss to hold moisture in soil.