1. Topic 2: Plant Structures & Adaptations

2. Why is it important to understand plant structure?
To understand how plants work
Plants need to be matched to their growing conditions

3. Basic plant structure
Label the
Leaves
Roots
Stem
Flower
Fruit

4. Roots
Up to 1/3 of the plant lies below the ground

5. Functions
1. Absorb water and nutrients from the soil
HOW?
2. Support and anchor the plant
3. Store food in times of scarcity
Eg. Winter

6. HOW do roots absorb water and nutrients?
Diffusion & Osmosis
Tendency of particles to become evenly distributed
Particles move from an area of high concentration to areas of low concentration
Requires no energy

7. Higher amount of nutrients in the soil Lower amount in the roots
What does this mean for plant roots?
Higher amount of nutrients in the soil
Lower amount in the roots
Particles want to move so that there is a balance between # in soil and in roots

9. Nutrients move from the soil into the roots via DIFFUSION

10. Osmosis
Diffusion of water

11. Types of Roots
How might an alpine plant’s roots be different from a rain forest plant’s roots?
Think structure…
Why are there different types of roots?
Must be adapted to obtaining water and nutrients in a specific environment

12. 1) Taproot
Single prominent root with numerous small roots coming out of it
Small roots = root hairs
Increase surface area of roots
Increases plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients

13. 2) Fibrous root
System of many similar-sized roots
Roots are shallow
Spread out horizontally

14. When would a tap root be advantageous?
Can reach deep into the ground to get nutrients and water
What types of conditions might plants with taproots be adapted for?
Dry, nutrient-poor
Areas where there are many other plants
Moss campion

15. When would a fibrous root be advantageous?
Can quickly soak up moisture and nutrients that are near the surface
What types of conditions might plants with fibrous roots be adapted for?
Wet, nutrient-rich
Duckweed