Plant Structure
Plants have 4 major structures: flower stem leaf roots
Roots
Functions anchors plant
Functions absorbs and transports water and minerals
Most absorption takes place at the root tips which are covered with root hairs Mycorrhizae
Root Types Tap Roots Fibrous Roots
Tap Root - one main root - grows straight down to find deep water - Example: dandelions
Some store food
Tap Roots
- several roots from the base of the plant’s stem - get water close Fibrous root - several roots from the base of the plant’s stem - get water close to the surface - Example: grass
Fibrous Roots
Roots
STEMS
Functions Support leaves and flowers
Functions Transport water, minerals, food
Functions stores water and minerals as sugar or starch
Stem types Herbaceous stems - soft, thin, flexible - usually green
Stem Types Trees and Shrubs - hard and rigid - self supporting
Stem Types Vines - slender, woody - need support
Herbaceous, Tree & Shrub, Vine?
Herbaceous, Tree & Shrub, Vine?
Herbaceous, Tree & Shrub, Vine?
Herbaceous, Tree & Shrub, Vine?
Nodes Place where leaves attach to the stem
Node Arrangements – provides leaves with most sunlight
Alternate One leaf per node
Opposite Two leaves per node
Whorled Three or more leaves per node
Alternate, Opposite, Whorled?
Alternate, Opposite, Whorled?
Alternate, Opposite, Whorled?
LEAVES
Function Absorb sunlight to make food
Function Bring in CO₂ and release O₂ (breathing)
Parts of a Leaf
Blade Flat, broad section; contains cells for photosynthesis
Veins Tube-like structures that carry nutrients
Petiole Stalk that connects leaf to the stem
A deeper look…
Epidermis – thin layer of cells that protect the leaf Cuticle – waxy coating to reduce water loss
Stomata – small openings in leaves for gas exchange Guard cells – open and close stomata
Parts of a leaf
Parts of a leaf
leaves of cactuses are modified as spines Adaptations leaves of cactuses are modified as spines
Adaptations leaves of carnivorous plants catch and digest insects