Plant Structures and Functions

Cellular Structure Tell me about a plant cell

Cellular Structure Cell: – Tiny structure – forms building blocks of plants All organisms are made of one or more cells

Cellular Structure Protoplasm in cells carries out life processes A plant is a multi-cellular organism – More than one cell

Cellular Structure Cell specialization – Some cells have specific jobs Examples of specialized cells are cells in the: – Flower – Stem – Root

Cellular Structure Specialized cells are formed into groups – These groups are called plant tissue Tissues that work together are formed into organs – The organ has a specific function

Cellular Structure Organs that work together are formed into organ systems – The organ system has a specific function From smallest to largest: Specialized cell – tissue – organ – organ system - plant

Cellular Structure

Three major parts in a plant cell

Cellular Structure Cell Wall –Surrounds the cell –Controls movement of materials in and out (bouncer)

Cellular Structure Nucleus –Contains protoplasm, chromosomes, and other structures that control cell activity

Cellular Structure Cytoplasm –Thick solution in the cell surrounding the nucleus –Houses all other organelles

Cellular Structure Cytoplasm –Other organelles include: –Mitochondria, chloroplasts, ribosomes, lysosomes, vacuoles, and others

Vegetative Parts: Roots Stems Leaves Reproductive Parts: Flowers Major Plant Parts

Root Functions Absorb Water and Nutrients Anchor plants and support the above-ground part of the plant Store food to be used later

Root Functions Need to grow constantly for plant to stay healthy First structure to form seed Plant health is closely tied to root health

Root Structure Primary Root – First root to grow from the seed Secondary Roots – Grow from primary root

Root Systems Fibrous Root – System that has no dominant primary root Taproot – A system composed of one primary root and many secondary roots that branch off

Root Nodules Swellings (bumps) on the roots Rhizobium bacteria live in these bumps – they take nitrogen from the air and combine it with oxygen to make it useable to the plant – puts nitrogen in the soil so that crops that grow there later may use the nitrogen

Legumes Legumes are the group of plants with nodules Soybeans, clover, alfalfa, beans, peas

Root Health Healthy Roots: Roots are white or nearly white, and smell fresh. Unhealthy Roots: Roots are black, brown, or dark orange and smell rotten and sour.

Root Health Watering properly drastically affects the plant’s health – Drainage holes in the pot – Soaked with water until it drains out the bottom encourages plant growth throughout the entire pot – Allow soil to dry slightly between watering