Kingdom Plantae

General Characteristics Multicellular Eukaryotes Photosynthetic- use chlorophyll Have cell walls

Classification Is based on their structure and means of reproduction. Non-vascular plants Vascular plants

Non-Vascular Plants Have no specialized tissue for support and transport of food and water. Algae live in water and have very few specialized cell types (“simple” plants) Bryophytes live on land and still lack a vascular system They both rely on aquatic environments for reproduction (sperm swims to egg)

Algae - classified based on the type of pigment present for photosynthesis Red Green Brown

Red Algae Contains a reddish pigment called phycobilins, in addition to 2 types of chlorophyll The pigment appears red but absorbs blue light the best (that is the light that penetrates through water the best)

Structure of Red Algae Some single celled Some filamentous Some branching structures Some broad or flat plates.

Habitat of Red Algae Mostly Marine Some freshwater All live attached to some surfaces Common on coral reefs

Brown Algae Contain a brown pigment called fucoxanthin in addition to 2 types of chlorophyll.

Structure of Brown Algae Largest and most complex algae No unicellular or colonial forms Range from microscopic filaments to kelp in excess of 70 meters in length. Many have specialized regions Holdfast Air bladders Stipes Blades

Habitat of Brown Algae Cool, shallow waters along the seacoast Mostly grow attached

Green Algae Contain similar pigments to land plants – chlorophyll a and b and some carotenoids.

Structure of Green Algae Some unicellular, others filamentous, some colonial spheres or broad, flat sheets. http://reefwatch.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/large-limu-cards1.pdf Small and simple compared to red and brown algae.

Habitat of Green Algae Freshwater and Marine Most numerous type of algae Evidence suggests that some types of green algae were the ancestors to land plants.

Humans Uses for Algae Agar Toothpaste Deodorants Algae (an ingredient in ice cream that helps prevent the formation of ice crystals) Sushi Hand Lotion Pudding, candles and ice cream all use red algae for smoother texture.

Life on Land… Remember what all plants need to do… Obtain water, sunlight and CO2 for photosynthesis Obtain O2 and minerials for Cellular Respiration Get gametes together for reproduction

As plants made their evolutionary journey onto land they needed to… Protect themselves from drying out Hold themselves in place and upright to collect sunlight Find alternatives to water-based reproduction (fertilization of eggs by sperm)

Adaption's to Life on Land Roots- obtain water Xylem- to transport water Phloem- to transport food/minerals Leaves- to collect sunlight Cuticle(waxy coating)- to prevent water loss Stomata(leaf opening)- to allow gas exchange through otherwise protective coat. Flowers/cones-to transport sperm to egg without water Seed- to disperse offspring

Primitive Land Plants (nonvascular): Phylum Bryophyta Small, low growing, lack vascular systems (xylem/phloem) Require water for sexual reproduction Have alternation of generations with gametophyte (gamete-producing) stage most obvious. Have Rhizoids instead of roots for anchoring plant. Examples: Moss, Liverworts, Hornworts

Bryophyta Habitat Terrestrial Must be near or in water Moist, shady areas

Vascular Plants: Phylum Tracheophyta More “complex” plants All have vascular tissue (xylem/phloem) Have true roots, stems and leaves All have alternation of generations with the sporophyte (spore-producing) stage most obvious.

Seedless Vascular Plants- “lower” vascular plants All have small slender roots which grow from an underground rhizomes (creeping stem) Extensive spread of sporophyte generation from vegetative propagation from rhizome. Still must have water for sexual reproduction Examples: Ferns, club mosses and horsetails.

Seed Plants Independent of water for reproduction Gymnosperms Angiosperms

Gymnosperms Gymnosperm means “naked seed” because the seeds are on scales of cones rather than surrounded by fruit Produce cones which carry genetic information from male to female Gametophytes are contained within the body of the sporophyte instead of separate forms like in “lower” plants

Examples: Cycads, Ginkgoes, Conifers, Pines, Spruces, Firs, and Cedars

Angiosperms-Flowering Pants Flowers attract insects with bright colors and/or scents. Seeds are contained within an ovary(fruit) which aids in the dispersal of offspring. Life cycle similar to gymnosperms

Two Groups of Angiosperms Monocots Dicots

Monocots Examples: Corn, wheat, lilies, daffodils and palms

Dicots Examples: Roses, clovers, tomatoes, oaks and daisies