Plant Structures and Functions

1. Plant StructuresandFunctions

2. Stems • All stems look very similar, but upon closer observation there are many differences!

3. Functions of Stems • Support and position leaves • Responsible for size and shape of plant • Transport water, minerals and food • Green stems produce food

4. 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

5. 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

6. Specialized Stems • Tuber: Rhizome with a tip swollen with stored food • Potatoes

7. Functions of Leaves • Produce food for the plants • Photosynthesis • Carry out Transpiration • May store food

8. Leaf Parts • Leaf Blade • Large, broad, flat surface whose job is to collect sunlight • Petiole • 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

9. Vein Patterns • Parallel • Veins never cross • Found in monocots • Netted • Veins form a network • Found in dicots

10. Leaf Types • Simple Leaf • Has only one leaf on the petiole • Compound Leaf • A leaf with multiple blades.

11. Leaf Arrangement • Leaf spacing and arrangement varies • Three major types • Alternate • Opposite • Whorled • Draw all 3 in your • notes

12. Reproductive Parts • Seed • Formed by fertilized ovules • New, diversified plant life • Fruit • Plant ovaries • Protect and nourish seed

13. Reproductive Parts • Flower • Contains Reproductive organs • Produce pollen and ovules • Fertilization occurs when pollen unites with ovules