Describe the composition of the cell membranes. What molecules readily cross plant cell membranes? How do the proteins in the membrane effect permeability?

List ten cell types and ten tissue types in plants. Since form frequently dictates function, describe how the anatomy of these cells enables them to function efficiently.

What is a hydrogen bond? How does hydrogen bonding help explain the unique properties of water? Why are these properties important for the physiology of plants.

What is the difference between water potential, electrochemical potential and chemical potential? What assumptions were made in the derivation of each of the chemical equations for these potentials?

How does water potential relate to water movement in the soil and plants? Trace the movement of water from the soil, through the plant and into the atmosphere. What are the regulatory points for water flow?

Estimate the values for water potential, osmotic potential and pressure potential in a cell that neither gains nor loses weight in 0.4 molal solution and when placed in a 0.6 molal solution begins to experience plasmolysis.

Define diffusion, capillary action, root pressure and bulk flow. What is the relative contribution of each of these processes to water movement in plants?

Describe the organization of the cytoskeleton and explain how it regulates cell division and expansion.

How do physiologists measure the different components of water potential?

Explain why transpiration rates are greatest under conditions of low humidity, bright sunlight and moderate winds.

Farmers have found that fertilizing fields during dry spells can be counter productive. Using your knowledge of plant physiology, explain why this happens.

Define cavitation. Describe the adaptations made by plants to avert cavitation. What prevents the spread of an embolism in plants? How can the water column be reestablished in vessels with an embolism?

Explain how and why mycorrhyzae assist in nutrient uptake?

Distinguish between simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion and active transport. Which of these probably accounts for the transport of the following:

1. lipid soluble molecule
2. extrusion of sodium ions leaked into a cell
3. rapid entry of sucrose into a cell
4. accumulation of potassium ions

Distinguish between channel proteins, carrier proteins, pumps and symport proteins. How does the specificity and rate of transport of these carriers differ? How do the kinetics differ?

Name the different soil types and explain how are they different. How do these soils effect water uptake. What is the optimal soil for plant growth?

Name 16 minerals that are necessary for plant growth and explain why each is required for plant growth.