Plants: Structure and Processes

Plant structures

Roots Absorb water, minerals Hold the plants in soil Store food (as sugar or starch)

Roots Root hair and root cap

Roots Root systems tap root – gymnosperms and dicots fibrous root - monocots

Stems Support to plant body Leaves and photosynthesis Contain reproductive structures Transport material up and down Some stems store material

Stems Herbaceous and woody stems

Leaves Increase surface area Chlorophyll and photosynthesis

Leaves Leave cells arranged in layers

Flowers Sepals, Petals, Stamens and Pistils Flowers and pollination

Plant Processes

Photosynthesis Chloroplast and energy capture

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis Respiration (getting energy from food) Mitochondria

Photosynthesis Exchange of gases Transpiration

Photosynthesis Photosynthesis and energy transfer

Reproduction Fertilization

Reproduction Seed production

Reproduction From flower to fruit

Reproduction From seed to a plant

Reproduction Other modes

Development Seed germination and plant development

Development Plant hormones regulate growth Auxin and movement towards light Gibberellin and ethylene (use in agriculture)

Plant Tropism Growth in response to external factors (stimuli) Positive or negative

Plant Tropism Light (phototropism) Shoots positive, roots negative

Plant Tropism Gravity (gravitropism) Shoots negative, roots positive

Plant Tropism Seasonal responses

Plant Tropism Length of day (short and long day plants) Seasons and leaf loss Deciduous vs. evergreen