Plant Physiology Cheat Sheet

Key Definitions

• Photosynthesis: Process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose) using CO₂ and H₂O. ✅

• Transpiration: Loss of water vapor from aerial parts of plants, mainly through stomata. ✅

• Glycolysis: Metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH. ✅

• Xylem: Tissue responsible for the transport of water and minerals from roots to leaves. ✅

• Phloem: Tissue responsible for the transport of sugars and nutrients throughout the plant. ✅

Important Concepts

Photosynthesis

• Occurs in chloroplasts; involves light-dependent and light-independent reactions.

• Equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ ✅

Plant Hormones

• Auxins: Promote cell elongation and growth.

• Gibberellins: Stimulate stem elongation and seed germination.

• Abscisic Acid: Inhibits growth; involved in stress responses.

Water Transport

• Cohesion & Adhesion: Water molecules stick together (cohesion) and to xylem walls (adhesion).

• Root Pressure: Pressure generated in roots that pushes water upwards. ⚠️

Key Formulas

• Photosynthesis Equation:

 
  6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ 
  

• Rate of Transpiration:

 
  T = k * (V / A) 
  

• T: Transpiration rate

• V: Volume of water lost

• A: Leaf area

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common Mistake: Confusing xylem and phloem functions; remember xylem = water, phloem = nutrients.

Memory Tricks

Tip: "GAP" for plant hormones — Gibberellins, Auxins, Physical stress (Abscisic Acid).

Key Diagrams

            Photosynthesis
          +----------------+
          |                |
          |   Chloroplasts  |
          |                |
          +-------+--------+
                  |
                  |
                  ↓
          C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂