Kingdom Plantae

Kingdom Plantae Characteristics Multicellular Cell Wall Present Autotrophs Sessile Sexual and Asexual Reproduction Kingdom Plantae

Plant Terms and Defining Characteristics Photosynthesis The process where plants take carbon dioxide from the air, water from the soil, and light energy to produce sugar and oxygen. CO 2 + H 2 O + Light  C 6 H 12 O 6 + O 2 (carbon dioxide) (water) (sun’s energy) (sugar or glucose) (oxygen)

Plant Terms and Defining Characteristics Fonds, Leaves, and Needles Green parts of plants used to gather light where a vast majority of photosynthesis occurs. Leaves are also the place where much of the plant’s water is lost during photosynthesis. Fonds Needles Leaves

Plant Terms and Defining Characteristics Roots Specialized underground parts of plants for absorption of water and nutrients from the soil.

Plant Terms and Defining Characteristics Vascular Systems Vascular systems allow plants to transfer nutrients up and down the plant. They are not found in all plants, but are an important evolutionary step. Usually, water and nutrients are carried up from the roots and sugar is carried down from the leaves. Water & Nutrients Sugar

Plant Terms and Defining Characteristics Spores Similar to fungi, many plants reproduce with spores. These spores are single- celled mini-seeds that begin new plants. These are most common in mosses, ferns, and similar groups.

Plant Terms and Defining Characteristics Seeds Sort-of like a spore with survival packs, seeds are baby plants with extra nutrients to help the early plant grow. Seeds often also have covers to keep them from drying out.

Plant Terms and Defining Characteristics Cones Cones are the sexually reproductive organs of a division of plants (Coniferophyta) where hard woody parts protect seeds.

Plant Terms and Defining Characteristics Pollination Since plants are sessile, they achieve sexual reproduction with the help of pollinators that carry male pollen cells to female ovaries. Sometimes plants use wind or water for pollination, other times they use motile creatures.

Plant Terms and Defining Characteristics Flowers Flowers are the sexually reproductive organs of a division of plants (Magnoliophyta) where showy colors and smells often attract animal pollinators.

Plant Terms and Defining Characteristics Seed Dispersal Once plant seeds are fertilized plants use a variety of methods to spread the seeds to different areas. Wind, water, and animal transport are all common.

Plant Terms and Defining Characteristics Fruits, Nuts & Berries Once a flower is pollinated, it produces a fruit. Fruits often grow around seeds and attract dispersers; other times fruits simply protect the seeds or help the seeds get dispersed by wind.

Major Divisions of Plants Bryophyta (mosses & allies) Pteridophyta (ferns and allies) Coniferophyta (Conifers) Magoliophyta (Flowering Plants)