Plant Structures

What are the functions of Roots, Stems and Leaves? Roots – Anchor plants in the ground, absorb water and minerals from the soil, and store food ◦Two types of roots:  Taproot system- long, thick main root with many smaller roots branching off  Fibrous root system – thin fibrous roots that form a tangled mass and take soil with them when pulled

Stems – carry substances between the plant’s roots and leaves. Also provides support for the plant and holds up the leaves so they are exposed to the sun. ◦Two types of stems:  Woody – hard and rigid  Herbaceous – often green, soft and flexible

Leaves- capture the sun’s energy and carry out the food-making process of photosynthesis. ◦Think: Why do you think plants in shady forests often have large leaves? ◦Think: Why do you think plants in dry areas have small, thick, was-coated leaves? ◦Think: Why do you think plants in very rainy areas have long, pointy leaves?

How Do Seeds Become New Plants? Inside a seed is a partially developed plant. If a seed lands in an area where conditions are favorable, the plant sprouts out of the seed and begins to grow. Seed has 3 main parts: embryo, stored food, and a seed coat. ◦Embryo- the young plant that develops from the zygote, or fertilized egg. ◦Seed coat- outer covering of a seed. It acts like plastic wrap, protecting the embryo and its food from drying out.

After seeds form, they are usually scattered – called seed dispersal. Think: What are some ways seeds can be dispersed? After a seed is dispersed, it may remain inactive for a while before it germinates – when the embryo begins to grow again an pushes out of the seed.

What are the Structures of a Flower? Sepal- when a flower is still a bud, it is enclosed by leaflike structures called sepals. Sepals protect the developing flower and are often green in color. Petals- When the sepals fold back, they reveal the flower’s colorful, leaflike petals. Stamens – Within the petals are the flower’s male and female reproductive parts. The stamens are the male reproductive part. The thin stalk of the stamen is the filament. Pollen is made in the anther (top of the filament).

Pistils- The female part of the flower is found in the center. The sticky tip of the pistil is called the stigma. A slender tube, called a style, connects the stigma to a hollow structure at the base of the flower (ovary) Label the diagram of the flower-Handout