Transcript Plant Structures and Functions

Plant Structures
and
Functions
Stems
• All stems look very similar, but upon
closer observation there are many
differences!
Functions of Stems
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•
•
•
Support and position leaves
Responsible for size and shape of plant
Transport water, minerals and food
Green stems produce food
Specialized Stems
– Bulbs
• Short flattened stem
which has several fleshy
leaves. Bulbs are found
beneath the soil.
– Onions, Tulips
– Corm
• Spherical structure
similar to a bulb
– Gladiolus
Specialized Stems
– Rhizome
• Thick underground stem
which lies horizontally.
– Mother in Law’s Tongue
– Stolon
• Horizontal stem which lies
above the ground (often
called runners).
– Strawberry runners
Specialized Stems
– Tuber: Rhizome with a tip swollen with stored
food
• Potatoes
Functions of Leaves
• Produce food for the plants
– Photosynthesis
• Carry out Transpiration
• May store food
Leaf Parts

Leaf Blade
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Petiole
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
Large, broad, flat surface whose job is to
collect sunlight
Supports the leaf and holds it away from the
stem
Midrib

Main vein running down the center of the
leaf. It helps hold the leaf so it is facing the
sun
Vein Patterns


Parallel
 Veins never cross
 Found in monocots
Netted
 Veins form a network
 Found in dicots
• Simple Leaf
Leaf Types
• Has only one leaf on the petiole
• Compound Leaf
• A leaf with multiple blades.
Leaf Arrangement
• Leaf spacing and arrangement varies
• Three major types
• Alternate
• Opposite
• Whorled
Draw all 3 in your
notes
Reproductive Parts
• Seed
– Formed by fertilized ovules
– New, diversified plant life
• Fruit
– Plant ovaries
– Protect and nourish seed
Reproductive Parts
• Flower
– Contains Reproductive organs
– Produce pollen and ovules
– Fertilization occurs when pollen unites
with ovules