Structure & Function of Plants

5.10A compare the structures and functions of different species that help them live and survive

Plants

Plants come in a variety of sizes -- from tiny mosses to giant redwood trees that are over 100 feet tall. The giant Sequoias are the largest living organisms on Earth.

They’re Everywhere!

• With the exception of a few places on the planet, you will find plants everywhere.

• Plants are vital for the herbivores to have food and continue to survive.

• Plants are producers in the food chain.

• Plant species have adapted to every climate -- from under the surface of the ocean to the tops of mountains.

Ocean plants

Roots

• We'll start at the bottom with the roots. These structures are designed to pull water and minerals from whatever material the plant sits on. For water plants, the roots may be in the water. For traditional trees, the roots go deep into the soil. There are even plants that live on trees and their root system clings to branches.

Plants and roots are growing on this tree

ROOTS• Roots grow down into the

ground• Functions of roots– Anchoring the plant– Collecting water & nutrients– Storing food – storage roots are

beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, and turnips

• Roots can be different sizes – Tap roots– Fibrous roots

STEMS• Functions of stems– To provide support to

the plant– The transport of water

and food– Most grow upward,

some grow sideways Stems do not all look alike.

They can be thin or large and thick like the trunk of a tree.

Stem Transport System

Inside the stem is a transport system that moves water and nutrients to the flowers and leaves of the plant along the stem. It’s like a tiny highway system inside the stem.

Phloem

Xylem

Leaf Function: Photosynthesis

• The most important function of the leaves is to conduct a process known as photosynthesis.

• Photosynthesis is a process by which plants change light energy from the sun and use it to make sugar.

• All plants are alike in one way: they need water and nutrients, CO2, and sunlight to grow.

LEAVES• Leaves come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

– Larger leaves catch more sunlight and lose more water through transpiration.

– Cacti have small spines to lessen the loss of water.• Leaves are arranged on the stem in different ways.

How Photosynthesis Works

FLOWERS

• Plants reproduce in a variety of ways.

• Flowers are the reproduction structures of most plants.

• Other plants reproduce by using cones or spores.

Cone seeds

Spores

Flowers

Pollen

• Pollen is produced in the flower structure of the plant. This is essential for reproduction.

• With the help of insects, pollen is spread to other plants. This is called pollination.

Plant Parts in Review

• Turn to your partners and discuss the structure and function of this part of the plant.

What’s This?

• What would you say is the function of this part of the plant?

And This?

• With the help of your partner, discuss what the function of this part of the plant would be.

Pretty!

• With your partner or group, discuss the structure and function of this part of the plant.