Created By Jill Heuvel Functions of Plant Parts Modified by Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office September 2005

Functions of Roots: 1. To take in oxygen during respiration. 2. To give off carbon dioxide during respiration.

4. To anchor the plant and keep it in a stable position. 3. To store food in the form of starch (like the taproot of a carrot).

5. To absorb and translocate water and nutrients to the stem via the root hairs. 6. In legumes, such as alfalfa, the roots play an important role in the nitrogen fixation process. ( Bacteria live in the root nodules and work to “fix” nitrogen for the plant).

Functions of Leaves: 1. Critical for photosynthesis (the process by which plants produce their food). 2. Aid in the process of transpiration which is necessary in order for plants to cool themselves.

4. Sometimes leaves can be used in asexual, or vegetative, propagation. 3. Leaves can store some food which can later be transferred to other areas of the plant.

Functions of Stems: 1. Translocate nutrients from the roots to the leaves in the vessels of the xylem and phloem. 2. Support the leaves of the plant as well as the fruit and flowers.

3. In some plants, stems function as a source of food storage for the plant. Rhizome ( Asparagus ) Tuber (Irish Potato) Bulb (Tulip)

4. Primary plant growth occurs in the tip of the stem (the terminal bud). 5. Stems can often be used for vegetative propagation.

Functions of Fruit: 1. Protect the seeds inside the ripened ovule (fruit). 2. Provide nutrients to the soil and to a newly germinated seedling.

3. Aid in the dissemination/spreading of seed by providing food for animals. Animals eat the fruit and seeds. After the fruit is digested, the seeds pass out in the animal’s feces at another location.

4. Some plants have dry, dehiscent fruits which split open to disseminate seeds.

Functions of Flowers: 1. Critical for plant reproduction and the continuance of the species. 2. Pollination of the flower instigates fertilization of the ovules.

3. The colorful and/or fragrant nature of the flower attracts insects and birds that aid in the pollination process.

4. The flower can also serve as an animal trap. Once the insect is trapped, it can be digested by the plant for food. (Venus Fly Trap)

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