Roots, Stems, and Leaves

Roots Types of roots –Taproot: primary root that grows longer and thicker than the secondary roots (grows deeper) ex. carrots –Fibrous roots: wide branching of roots with no single root larger than rest (grows shallow) ex. grasses

Roots Functions: –anchor plants in soil –absorb water and nutrients from soil Nutrients are dissolved in the water –store carbohydrates that plant can use later Ex. Beets, radishes, and carrots

Root adaptations Root cap: protective cap on tip of the root; secretes wax to help root move through soil Root hairs: fine, hair-like extensions of root; increases surface area for greater water absorption Nodules: found on roots of some plants like bean plants; where symbiotic nitrogen- fixing bacteria live

Stems Functions: –Support leaves –Transport materials between roots and leaves –Storage site for nutrients

Leaves Structure: –Simple leaf: a leaf with one single blade –Compound leaf: a leaf blade that is divided into several leaflets Simple leaf Compound leaf leaflets

Leaves Function: –Primary site for photosynthesis Converts energy from sunlight into food source (glucose) Occurs in cell organelles called chloroplasts –Site for gas exchange (oxygen/carbon dioxide) Occurs through stoma (singular: stomata) which are openings in leaves chloroplast stoma