Botany Cheatsheet
Plant Anatomy
Parts of a Flower
- Pistil: The female reproductive part of the flower, consisting of the stigma, style, and ovary.
- Stamen: The male reproductive part of the flower, consisting of the anther and filament.
- Sepal: The outermost part of the flower, usually green in color and protecting the flower bud.
- Petal: The brightly colored part of the flower that attracts pollinators.
Parts of a Leaf
- Blade: The broad, flat portion of the leaf.
- Petiole: The stalk that attaches the blade to the stem.
- Veins: The network of vessels that transport water and nutrients throughout the leaf.
Parts of a Stem
- Node: The point on the stem where a leaf is attached.
- Internode: The section of stem between two nodes.
- Apical bud: The bud at the tip of the stem that allows for upward growth.
Plant Physiology
Photosynthesis
- Definition: The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll and other pigments.
- Equation: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2
- Importance: The primary source of energy for most life on Earth.
Respiration
- Definition: The process by which organisms convert organic matter into energy.
- Equation: C6H12O6 + 6 O2 → 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + ATP
- Importance: Provides the energy necessary for growth and other life processes.
Botanical Classification
Taxonomy
- Definition: The science of classifying organisms.
- Classification system: Kingdom, Division/Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.
Binomial Nomenclature
- Definition: A system for naming species using two names, the genus name and the specific epithet.
- Example: Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato)
Plant Reproduction
Sexual Reproduction
- Definition: Reproduction involving the fusion of gametes from two different parents.
- Examples: Seed production, spore production.
Asexual Reproduction
- Definition: Reproduction without the involvement of gametes.
- Examples: Vegetative propagation, bulb division.
Plant Ecology
Biomes
- Definition: A major ecological community of plants and animals that is determined by climate and geography.
- Examples: Tundra, Taiga, Temperate Forest, Rainforest, Desert, Grassland.
Succession
- Definition: The process by which an ecological community undergoes a change in species composition over time.
- Types: Primary succession, secondary succession.
Plant Uses
Food
- Examples: Fruits, vegetables, grains, spices.
Medicine
- Examples: Digitalis (Foxglove), Taxol (Pacific Yew).
Industrial
- Examples: Timber, paper, textiles.
Resources