What Is a Plant

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Eukaryote Noun

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[yoo-kar-ee-oht]

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Eukaryote

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An organism whose cells contain a nucleus and other organelles enclosed within membranes, a defining feature of complex life.

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Example: This diagram shows that plants (Plantae) are one of the four major kingdoms of Eukarya, the domain containing all eukaryotic organisms.

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Cellulose Noun

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[sel-yuh-lohs]

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Cellulose

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A complex carbohydrate that forms the main structural component of the rigid cell walls found in green plants.

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Example: This diagram shows how cellulose molecules chain together to form microfibrils, macrofibrils, and finally the strong cellulose fibers that make up a plant's cell wall.

Front

Photosynthesis Noun

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[foh-toh-sin-thuh-sis]

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Photosynthesis

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The process plants use to convert light energy into chemical energy, creating food from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

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Example: This diagram shows how a plant uses energy from sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water from the soil to produce glucose (food) and release oxygen.

Front

Chlorophyll Noun

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[klor-uh-fil]

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Chlorophyll

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The green pigment in plants that absorbs sunlight, providing the energy needed to carry out the process of photosynthesis.

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Example: This diagram shows that a plant cell contains organelles called chloroplasts, and inside these chloroplasts are stacks filled with chlorophyll, the green pigment.

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Adaptation Noun

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[ad-ap-tey-shuhn]

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Adaptation

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An evolved trait or structure that enhances an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its specific environment.

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Example: This image defines adaptation and shows three examples of animals—a bear, a penguin, and a snake—suited to their different environments (snow, ice, and desert).

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Cellular Respiration Noun

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[sel-yuh-ler res-puh-rey-shuhn]

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Cellular Respiration

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The metabolic process by which cells break down molecules, like glucose, to release usable energy for cellular functions.

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Example: This image shows the process of cellular respiration, where a plant cell uses glucose and oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy (ATP).

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Fossil Record Noun

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[fos-uhl rek-erd]

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Fossil Record

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The total collection of fossils that have been discovered, providing documented evidence of the history and evolution of life.

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Example: This diagram shows that fossils are found in layers of rock. Older fossils are in deeper layers, while younger ones are in shallower layers.

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Prokaryote Noun

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[proh-kar-ee-oht]

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Prokaryote

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A microscopic single-celled organism that lacks a distinct nucleus with a membrane and other specialized organelles.

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Example: This diagram shows a prokaryote, a simple cell like a bacterium. It lacks a nucleus; its circular DNA is in a region called the nucleoid.

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Embryo Noun

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[em-bree-oh]

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Embryo

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An early developmental stage of a multicellular organism, which in plants is protected and nourished by the parent plant.

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Example: This diagram shows that the embryo is the part of a seed that develops into a new plant, protected by a seed coat and nourished by stored food.

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Seed Noun

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[seed]

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Seed

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A plant structure containing a developing embryo and a food supply, all enclosed within a protective outer coat.

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Example: This diagram shows a seed developing inside the pistil of a flower, illustrating where seeds are formed after pollination in a plant's reproductive cycle.