1. Introduction to Plants
And why we love them!

2. Plants provide:
The base for food chains
Shade
Shelter
Oxygen

3. Characteristics of Plants:
Multicellular eukaryotes
Have cell walls made of cellulose
Develop from multicellular embryos
Carry out photosynthesis
Most are autotrophs
A few are parasites or saprophytes
They are sessile

4. Plant Life Cycle: Consist of two alternating cycles:
Diploid (2N) is the sporophyte which produces spores
Haploid (N) is the gametophyte which produces gametes (eggs and sperm)
Called alternation of generation
Mosses and ferns require water to reproduce
Seed plants do not require water to reproduce

6. Plant Survival Kit: Sunlight for photosynthesis
Leaves are adapted to maximize exposure
Water and minerals for photosynthesis and growth
Plants have structures to reduce water loss

7. Plant Survival Kit continued…
Gas exchange
Plants need both O2 and CO2
Gases must be exchanged between the plant and the atmosphere
Movement of water and nutrients
Simpler plants by diffusion
Higher plants by specialized structures

8. Four Main Groups Mosses Ferns Cone bearing plants Seed bearing plants
These are the most abundant of all plants (almost 90%)