Question

List and describe the derived traits of plants.

Answer 1

Derived Traits of All Plants:

1. Alternation of Generations (w/ Multicellular, Dependent Embryo's) - Gametophytes are haploid and form gametes by the help of mitosis process. Egg and sperm combine and form a zygote, which is diploid and divides into sporophytes. Sporophytes release spores, which are haploid and divide by the help of mitosis process to the formation of gametophytes. Develop from zygotes that are retained within the tissues of the female plant. Parent provides nutrients to embryo.

2. Walled Spores Produced in Sporangia - Plant spores are haploid reproductive cells, which divide and form gametophytes by the process of mitosis. Sporangia are found on the sporophyte and produce spores. Within sporangia, diploid cells known as sporocytes undergo process of meiosis and produce haploid spores. The outer tissues of sporangium protect the developing spores until they are ready to be released into the air.

3. Multicellular Gametangia - Plant gameophytes produce gametes within multicellular organs known as gametangia. The archegonium produce a single cell and present within the base. The antheridium produced and releases sperm into the surroundings. The egg is fertilized within the archegonium, where the zygote grows into the embryo.

4. Apical Meristems - Resources that a photosynthetic organism requires are found in two places. Water and minerals are found the soil, light and carbon dioxide are above ground. The elongation and branching of shoots and roots maximize their exposure to ecological resources. This growth is sustained by apical meristems, localized areas of cell division at the tips of roots and shoots. Cells produced by meristems differentiate into various tissues, which include surface epidermis and internal tissues.

5. Xylem - Xylem is found in roots, stems and leaves of the plant and it helps in transportation of water and minerals from plant roots to aerial parts. It also transports some nutrients.

6.Phloem - In vascular plants, phloem is the living tissue, which transports the soluble organic compounds made during the process of photosynthesis. Distributes sugars, amino acids and other organic products.

7.Origin of leaves - Increase surface area of the plant body and acts as the primary photosynthesis organ of vascular plants. Microphylls are small and spline-shaped leaves, which are supported by a single strand of vascular tissue. Megaphylls are highly branches vascular systems.