I. General Characteristics of Plants
A. Eukaryotic, multi-cellular, autotrophic
Photosynthesis =
carbon dioxide + water +
sunlight =
glucose (sugar) + oxygen
CO2 + H20 + uv light (sun) =  C6H12O6
+ O2
Why are plants green?
Chloroplasts
B. Have cell walls containing
Cellulose
C. Ecological role = Producer
II. Uses of plants
A. Produce oxygen
B. Food / drink for many
C. Habitat for many
D. Construction
E. Fuel
F. Clothing/ textiles
G. Medicine
1.
aspirin – from white willow bark
(analgesic =pain reliever)
2.
digitalis – from foxglove
(regulate irregular heartbeat)
3.
quinine – from cinchona bark
(treat malaria)
H. Landscaping / decoration
I. Prevent Erosion
J. Paper Products
K. Others?
III. Types of plants
A. Non-vascular =
o No system of tubes for transport
o No “true” roots, stems or leaves
E.g. Mosses
B. Vascular
1. Ferns
2. Seed Plants
a.
Gymnosperms (seeds in cones)
b.
Angiosperms (seeds in flowers / fruit)
1