Plant Physiology

Plant Physiology (Biology 327) - Dr. Stephen G. Saupe; College of St. Benedict/ St. John's University; Biology Department; Collegeville, MN 56321; (320) 363 - 2782; (320) 363 - 3202, fax; ssaupe@csbsju.edu

Plant Way of Life: Study Guide/Questions

Goal: The goal of this unit is develop an understanding of what it means to be a plant.

Objectives: Upon completion of this unit you should be able to:

Distinguish a plant from an animal
Discuss the significance of autotrophism in the plant way of life
Discuss the probable evolutionary pressures for motility
Discuss the consequences of being non-motile.

Required Reading: Plant Way of Life notes. The articles by Becker and Darley are great... check them out.

Important Terms/Concepts: (can you use these conversationally?)
alternation of generation angiosperm architectural design asexual reproduction autotrophs carnivore circadian rhythms decomposer dendritic dispersal etiolation gravitropism gymnosperm herbivore heterophylly heterotrophs indeterminate	leaf mosaic mechanical design meristem nonprimary reference nyctinasty photoperiodism phototropism plasmodesmata pollination ramet sedentary skototropism thigmomorphogenesis

Some Questions For Thought And Study:

Compare and contrast autotrophs and heterotrophs.
Discuss the consequences of being autotrophic. How have plants responded to life as autotrophs?
Compare and contrast how the following plants obtain their nutrients: dodder, mistletoe, bromeliads, Indian pipe, dandelion.
Briefly summarize the five major consequences of sedentary, autotrophic life. How have plants responded to each?
What is a positioning mechanism? Provide some examples.
How do plants exploit their environment? Consider dendritic form, asexual reproduction, indeterminate growth, heterophylly, foraging and architectural design in your response.
Compare and contrast animals and plants in terms of body design (i.e. architectural vs. mechanical design).
Discuss some of the mechanisms by which plants sense changes in the environment. Why are these important?
Identify some of the physical and biological threats to plants. How do plants protect themselves from these dangers?
How do plants find a "mate" and disperse offspring?
Discuss some of the problems unique to the plant way of life. In general how have plants responded to each of these problems?
Think about the statement "Plants are smarter than you think!"
Identify the characteristics of the plant kingdom.
Autotrophs are typically non-motile and heterotrophs are typically motile. Why did evolution favor this situation?
Explain why leaves are broad and flat.
Compare animals and plants in terms of nutrients (type, concentration, location).
Explain why plants are not limited by size.
From a botanical perspective, some corals can be considered heterotrophic plants. Explain.
Explain why coral is only found in relatively shallow, clear water.
Identify the specialized structures (and their function) that plants use for autotrophism.
Calculate the volume, surface area and surface-to-volume ratio of the following: (a) 1 cm x 1 cm x 1 cm; (b) 0.5 cm x 0.5 cm x 4.0 cm; (c) 0.1 cm x 0.1 cm x 100 cm
Is a carnivorous plant autotrophic?
Describe some pollination vectors/mechanisms.
Describe some fruit dispersal systems.
Explain why plants are dendritic, but animals are not.
In what way is a tree like a coral colony?
In what regard do plants forage for food? Identify some foraging strategies.
How many kingdoms are there? Name them. How would you classify a virus? Archaebacteria?

Exam Questions: check out the exam questions and quiz questions for this unit