1. Plant Structures

2. Importance of plants Food and shelter for many organisms
Supply O2 for cellular respiration

3. Characteristics of Plants
Eukaryotic
Multicellular
Autotrophs
Cell walls made of cellulose

4. Leaves Broad, flat organ that traps light energy
Cells contain 1000s of chloroplasts (photosynthesis)
Location for most photosynthesis in plants

5. Stomata Openings in the cuticle of the leaf
Regulated by guard cells - allow for gas exchange (CO2 in, O2 out)
Can close to prevent water loss – transpiration

6. Cuticle Protective waxy layer on leaves
Prevents evaporation & tissues from drying out

7. Adaptations of Leaves The leaf of the pitcher plant
is modified to attract &
then digest insects & other small
prey due to lack of nitrogen.
Plants that grow on forest floors produces broad leaves to capture the small amount of sunlight that penetrates between taller trees

8. Adaptations of the Leaves
The narrow leaves of a pine
tree contain a waxy epidermis
as well as stomata shrunken below
the surface of leaf to reduce
water loss.
Cactus and other succulents have a tick waxy coating and reduced leaves to prevent water loss in arid climates.

9. Roots Plant organ that: Anchors plant in ground
Absorbs water & minerals from soil (assisted by root hairs)
Transports nutrients to stem

10. Adaptations of Roots
Exposed to air, ex. Epiphytes Usually for plants that need to grow on top of other plants to reach sunlight. Must get water from rain or mist because they are not in the soil. • Ex. Orchid
Swollen portions that can have buds to produce new shoots. Ex. Tubers, radish, potato, rutabaga

11. Stem Provides structural support for upright growth
Contains vascular tissues for transporting food, water, and nutrients from one part of the plant to another

13. Xylem: Water moves from the roots to the leaves through tubes

14. The sugars/food produced in the leaves move to the roots through the phloem tissue.

15. Summary Substance Direction Vascular Tissue Water Leaves  Roots Xylem
Food/Sugar 
Phloem

16. Adaptations of the Stem
A tuber is a stem, usually
growing underground,
that stores food. Ex. potato
A rhizome is a horizontal,
underground stem. New
shoots can form allowing
the plant to undergo
periods of dormancy. Ex. ginger

17. central stem surrounded by short, thick leaves. that protect the bulb
A bulb is made up of a
central stem surrounded
by short, thick leaves.
that protect the bulb
& store food. Ex. Onion, garlic

18. Flowers- structures for reproduction w/out water