1. Examining Plant Structures and Functions
Basic Principles of Plant Science
Lesson 2
PROBLEM AREA 4. Identifying Basic Principles of Plant Science
LESSON 2. Examining Plant Structures and Functions:
Understand the fundamental concepts, principles and interconnections of the life, physical and earth/space sciences.
Learning Standard A: Know and apply concepts that explain how living things function,
adapt and change.
Learning Benchmark 4b: Describe the structures and organization of cells and tissues that
underlie basic life functions including nutrition, respiration, cellular transport, biosynthesis and
reproduction.
Examining Plant Structures and Functions

2. Student Learning Objectives
Describe the cellular structure of plants.
Identify the major parts of plants and explain their functions.
Distinguish between plants based on seed cotyledons.
Explain the absorption and transport systems of plants.
Recommended Resources.
Biondo, Ronald J. and Jasper S. Lee. Introduction to Plant and Soil Science and Technology. Danville, Illinois: Interstate Publishers, Inc., (Textbook and Activity Manual, Chapter 5
Lee, Jasper S. and Diana L. Turner. Introduction to World AgriScience and Technology, 2 nd Edition. Danville, Illinois: Interstate Publishers, Inc., (Textbook and Activity Manual Chapters 5 and 7)
Other Resources.
Barnes, Robert F., Darrell A. Miller, and C. Jerry Nelson. Forages. Ames, Iowa: Iowa State University Press, 1995.
Cooper, Elmer L. Agriscience Fundamentals and Applications. Albany, New York: Delmar Publishers, Inc., 1997.
Morgan, Elizabeth M.; Ray E. Chelewski; Jasper S. Lee; and Elizabeth Wilson.
AgriScience Explorations, 2 nd Edition. Danville, Illinois: Interstate Publishers, Inc., 2000.
Parker, Rick. Introduction to Plant Science. Albany, New York: Delmar Publishers, 2000.
Schraer, William D. and Herbert J. Stoltze. Biology: The Study of Life. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1995.

3. Terms Apical Meristem Bulb Cell Cell specialization Cladophyll
Compound leaf
Corm
Fibrous root system
Flower
Pistil
Stamen
Leaf
Multi-cellular organism
Organ
Organ system
Phloem
Primary Root
Reproductive parts
Rhizome
Secondary Roots
Pollen

4. Terms Root Cap Root Hairs Terminal Bud Lateral Bud Vegetative Parts
Xylem
Margin
Leaf Blade
Petiole
Root
Seed
Simple leaf
Stem
Stolon
Taproot system
Tendril
Tissue
Tuber

5. What is the cellular structure of plants?
Essential Question:
What is the cellular structure of plants?

6. What is the cellular structure of plants?
Cells are the structural basis of all living organisms.
A cell is a tiny structure that forms the basic building blocks of plants.
All organisms are made of one or more cells.
Protoplasm in cells carries out life processes.

7. What is the cellular structure of plants?
Plants are multi-cellular organisms, meaning that they have many cells.
Some cells have specific functions.
Cell specialization is the presence of cells that perform unique activities for a plant.
Flowers, leaves, roots, and stems are made of specialized cells.

8. What is the cellular structure of plants?
Cells are formed into groups that work together.
Tissue is formed by groups of cells that are alike in activity and structure.
An organ is formed by tissues that work together to perform specific functions.
An organ system is a group of organs that works together to perform a function.

9. Cell structure is the organization of the material that forms a cell.
Plant cells have three major parts: wall, nucleus, and cytoplasm.
The cell wall surrounds the cell and controls the movement of materials into and out of the cell. (mammal cells do not have cell walls – only cell membrane)
The nucleus is near the center of a cell and contains protoplasm, chromosomes, and other structures that control cell activity.

10. Cell structure is the organization of the material that forms a cell
The cytoplasm is a thick solution inside the cell wall surrounding the nucleus.
Plant cells have many additional parts, including: chloroplasts, nucleolus, vacuole, mitochondria, and golgi body. (mammal cells do not contain chloroplast or plastids)
Many techniques can be used here to help students master this objective. As an example, students could use chapter 5 in Introduction to World AgriScience and Technology to help understand the structure of cells. Use transparency TM: C4-2A to illustrate the major parts of a cell.
Use prepared slides for students to see cells under a microscope.

11. Cell Structure

12. Cross section of a leaf
NOTE: Refer to ‘Leaf anatomy” powerpoint for definitions of each term listed above.

13. What are the major parts of plants?
Essential Question:
What are the major parts of plants?

14. What are the major parts of plants?
Plants are comprised of vegetative and reproductive parts.
The major vegetative parts of plants are stems, leaves, and roots.
The major reproductive parts of plants are flowers, seed, and fruit.

15. Essential Question:
What are the functions of roots? What are the major parts of the roots?

16. The Root Roots absorb water and minerals from the soil.
Roots anchor the plant so that it can grow straight.
Roots store food that is manufactured in the leaves.

17. The Root Primary Root – single, main root.
First part to emerge when germination occurs
Secondary Roots – smaller root branches off of the primary root

18. The Root
Root Hairs – tiny hairs found near the growing top of the root.
Greatly increase the surface area so more water and minerals can be absorbed.
Root Cap – Mass of cells that protects the tip of the root from coarse soil

19. Types of Root Systems
Taproot System – thick, main root that grows straight down with smaller roots branching off
Fibrous Root System – consists of numerous slender roots

20. Types of Root Systems

21. Essential Question:
What are the functions of the stem? What are the major parts of a stem?

22. The major vegetative parts of plants are stems,
A stem is the central axis that supports the leaves, connects them with the roots, and transports water and other materials between the leaves and roots.
Stems vary widely in appearance based on the species of plant.
Stems may be vertical or horizontal and modified for climbing and to store water and food.

23. The Stem The life flow of a plant is found in its stem.
Water and minerals are transported from the roots to the leaves by the xylem.
Food made in the leaves are transported through the rest of the plant by the pholem.

24. Life Flow of Plant

25. Xylem tissues transports water and soluble minerals
Phloem tissues transports sugars and amino acids

26. The Stem Stems of woody plants have structures called buds.
Terminal Buds
At the end of the stem
Contains the apical meristem which is the primary growing point
Lateral Buds
Located on the side of the stem

27. Specialized Kinds of Stems
Rhizome—A rhizome is an underground stem that grows horizontally.
It may grow adventitious roots and stems to develop as a separate plant.
Examples include iris and wild ginger.

29. Specialized Kinds of Stems
Tuber—A tuber is an enlarged part of a stem that grows underground.
A tuber can develop into a separate plant.
Examples include potatoes and yams

31. Specialized Kinds of Stems
Tendril—A tendril is a threadlike leafless growth on a stem that attaches itself around other stems and objects.
Tendrils typically grow in a spiral shape. attaching itself, it holds the stem in position.
Vines and climbing plants often have tendrils.

32. Tendril
Examples are sweet peas and cucumbers.

33. Specialized Kinds of Stems
Stolon—A stolon is an above ground stem that grows horizontally and propagates new plants.
Strawberries are well known as examples of plants that multiply using stolons.

35. Specialized Kinds of Stems
Bulb—A bulb is an underground food storage organ consisting of flattened, fleshy stem-like leaves with roots on the lower side.
Examples of bulbs are onions and daffodils.

37. Specialized Kinds of Stems
Corm—A corm is a food storage structure at the end of a stem that grows underground.
It is an enlarged or swollen stem base.
Examples include gladiolus and crocus.

39. Specialized Kinds of Stems
Cladophyll—A cladophyll is a leaf like branch that resembles a leaf.
It is also called a cladode.
A cladophyll functions much like a leaf.

41. Essential Question:
What are the functions of the flower? What are the major parts of a flower? Flower = Reproduction

42. The Flower The flower is the reproductive part of flowering plants.
Once fertilized, they produce fruit, vegetables, and seeds.

43. The Flower
Stamen –the male parts of the flower. Anther is the part of a stamen that produces pollen. Filament is the slender part of a stamen that supports the anther. Pollen – male sperm cells.
Pistil – the female reproductive part of a flower and where the seed(s) and fruit/vegetable is produced; the mature ovary is a fruit, and the mature ovule is a seed. Stigma – a sticky platform where pollen germinates. Style is a long, slender stalk that connects the stigma and the ovary.
Petals - are located just inside the sepals and are usually brightly colored to attract insects and promote pollination.
Sepals are modified leaves that form the outer whorl of a flower and are the first part of a flower to form. Sepals function to protect the developing flower and keep it from drying

44. The Flower