1. Instructional Materials Service
Plant Science
Plant Structures
Instructional Materials Service
Texas A&M University

2. Plant Structures Parts of a Vascular Plant Root Structure
Stem Structure (External)
Leaf Structure
Parts of a Complete Flower

3. Parts of a Vascular Plant

4. Plant Organs
Plant organs include their roots, stems, leaves, and reproductive structures. Each plant organ performs a specialized task in the life of a plant.
Roots, stems, and leaves are all vegetative structures.
Flowers, seeds, and fruits make up reproductive structures.

5. Plant Organ Functions
Roots support the plant and supply it with water and nutrients.
Stems connect the root and leaves.
Leaves capture energy from the sunlight and use it to make food for the plant.
Reproductive structures attract pollinators and produce seeds and fruits.

6. Root Structure Epidermis Cortex Zone of Differentiation Root Hairs
Phloem Tubes
Xylem (water transport)
Zone of Elongation
Root Cap
Meristem

7. The Epidermis
The epidermis is the outermost layer of cells surrounding the root.
The cells of the epidermis are responsible for absorbing water and minerals from the soil
Epidermis

8. The Cortex
The cortex is a layer of tissue between the epidermis and the vascular tissue.
Cortex cells function in the movement of water and in food storage.
Cortex

9. Root Hairs
Root hairs are found along the main root and perform much of the actual work of water and nutrient absorption.
Most plants produce root hairs that only live a few days or a few weeks.
As a plant grows, new root hairs form.
Root Hairs

10. Xylem
Xylem is the supporting and water conducting tissue of vascular plants.
Xylem

11. Phloem
Phloem is the food conducting tissue of vascular plants, made up of sieve tubes and other cellular material.
Phloem

12. Meristem
The meristem is at the tip of the root and is responsible for manufacturing new cells.
This is the area where cell division and growth occur.
Meristem

13. Roots
The root is the first plant structure to emerge from a seed during germination.
Roots are mostly found below the soil surface and represent about 50% of a plant’s weight.
The primary functions of roots are to absorb water and nutrients from the soil and to support the plant in an upright position.

14. Root Functions
Roots distribute the food energy produced in the leaves to the rapidly growing areas found at the root tips.
Some plants use their roots as a specialized food storage reserve.
The first root to emerge from a seed is the primary root, or radicle.

15. Roots (taproot)
Plant root systems are classified based on the relative sizes of their primary and secondary roots.
Plants such as dandelions, carrots, turnips, and most trees have a taproot.
In taproot systems, the primary root thickens and becomes the dominant root.

16. Roots (fibrous)
In fibrous root systems, the primary and secondary roots are of similar diameter.
They remain fairly close to the soil surface.
Fibrous root systems help to prevent the erosion of topsoil during heavy rains.
Plants such as onions, grasses, and corn have fibrous root systems.

17. Root Types
Tap Root
Fibrous Roots

18. Stem Structure (External)
Growing Point Young Leaf
Terminal Bud
Axillary Bud
Nodes
Petiole
Internode
Abscission Layer

19. Stems
Stems function as supportive structures. They hold a plant’s leaves up toward the sun so the leaves can capture energy from sunlight.
Stems transport water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves, and food energy from the leaves to the roots.

20. Leaf Structure Vein Midrib Expanded Portion of Blade (Lamina)
Axillary Bud
Bladestalk (Petiole)
Node
Internode
Base of Leaf

21. Midrib & Veins
The midrib is the most prominent, central vein in a leaf.
Lateral veins are secondary veins that branch from the midrib.
Both midribs and lateral veins contain vascular tissue.
Vein
Midrib

22. Leaf Blade (Lamina)
Leaf Blade (Lamina)
The expanded flat portion of a leaf is the leaf blade, or lamina.

23. Petiole (Bladestalk)
The petiole attaches the lamina to the plant stem.
Petiole

24. Axillary Bud
An axillary bud exists on the stem just above the point where the leaf petiole attaches to the stem.
Axillary Bud

25. Parts of a Flower Pollen Grains Stigma Filament Style Anther Petal
Pollen Tube
Ovule
Embryo Sac
Sepal
Microphyle
Integuments
Ovary
Receptacle

26. Complete Flowers Compete flowers have four basic parts: Sepals Petals
Stamens
Pistil

27. Sepals
Sepals are leaf-like structures that form an outer ring around the base of a flower.
Sepals enclose and protect a flower bud before it opens.
The complete ring of sepals is called the calyx.
Sepals

28. Petals Petals are often the bright and colored part of a flower.
Petal colors and scents attract specific pollinators.
Petals

29. Stamens The stamen contains both the filament and the anther.
The filament is a stalk-like structure that holds the anther.
Stamens are the male reproductive parts of a flower.
Filament

30. Pistil The pistil includes three parts: 1. Stigma 2. Style 3. Ovary

31. Pistil 1. Stigma
The stigma is a sticky, flattened surface that projects upwards towards the pollinator.
Birds and insects collect nectar from previously visited plants and brush against the sticky surface of the stigma.
Stigma

32. Pistil 2. Style
The style is a supportive structure that holds the stigma in a position to maximize the chances of pollination.
Style

33. Pistil 3. Ovary
The ovary is an enlarged structure that contains the female sex cells, or ovules.
The pollen tube grows through the ovary and into an ovule.
Pollen Tube
Ovary
Ovule

34. Receptacle
The enlarged part of the pedicel where it joins the flower is the receptacle.
Receptacle

35. Pedicel
The pedicel (flower stalk) supports the flower.
Pedicel

36. Acknowledgements
Kristi Falco, Graduate Assistant, Instructional Materials Service, researched and developed the information used in this PowerPoint Presentation.
Christine Stetter, Artist, Instructional Materials Service, developed and illustrated this PowerPoint Presentation..
Keith Zamzow, Curriculum Specialist, Instructional Materials Service, edited and reviewed this PowerPoint Presentation.
Vickie Marriott, Office Software Associate, Instructional Materials Service, edited this PowerPoint Presentation.

37. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Reproduction or redistribution of all, or part, of this presentation without written permission is prohibited.
Instructional Materials Service
Texas A&M University
2588 TAMUS
College Station, Texas
 2006