1. On the following slides, the green sections are the most important – Underlined words = vocabulary!
Hyperlinks are shown in purple.
Background Image
Plant Systems

2. Image
The Texas Bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis) is our state flower and a plant native to Texas.
Remember that plants are NOT dead, but very much alive and composed of eukaryotic cells!
In this unit we will discuss the systems in plants, specifically transport, reproduction, and response.
Introduction

3. You eat plants all the time!
(at least you SHOULD)

4. Review of Plant Cells
Plants are multicellular eukaryotes w/ cell walls made of cellulose.
Plants are autotrophs that carryout photosynthesis to obtain energy.
To carry out cellular functions, plants need:
Sunlight
Water
CO2
Minerals

5. Review of Photosynthesis
6CO2 + 6H20 + LIGHT C6H
(Carbon dioxide) (water) (glucose) (oxygen)
Photosynthesis – the process by which autotrophs convert light energy and carbon dioxide into glucose as a food source for the plant.

6. Plants have cell differentiation (different cell types perform specific functions).
EX Root cells, stem cells, and flower petal cells all have specific functions (jobs) that they carry out for the plant.
AKA Cell Specialization
Cell Differentiation

7. Absorption via Roots
Roots are specialized underground organs that absorb water and minerals necessary for the plant and anchor [hold] the plant in the soil and help to prevent soil erosion.
tap root – (ex: carrot) single large central root
fibrous root – (ex: grasses) clump of short threadlike divisions

8.
Stems are specialized tissues that support leaves to hold them up to sun, and transport water, sugars, and nutrients through the plant.
Some stems are also modified for glucose [sugar] storage areas.
Transport via Stems

9. Transport Cont.
Just like in animals, vascular tissues transport materials for plants.
Xylem – transports water (L for liquid) via capillary action in stacked cells to form straw-like drinking tubes; movement is up from roots to leaves
Phloem – transports glucose; movement can be up and down

10. Photosynthesis via Leaves
Leaves are the tissues where most photosynthesis, and transpiration [evaporation from plants] occurs.
Veins run through the leaves, transport water, glucose, minerals, etc. to the plant cells

11. Photosynthesis Cont.
Stomata are openings in leaf tissue, much like the pores in our skin, used for gas exchange.
Guard cells control the opening and closing of stoma; the cells surround the opening contain numerous mitochondria for energy conversion

13. Plants provide consumers with oxygen to breathe, food, shelter, as well as cleaning the air and water for the planet.
Just like animals, plants are active responders within various environments to survive and thrive.
Their use and importance is numerous; humans use plants with healing properties in medical treatments.
Photograph by Luis del Río
Conclusion