Plant Structure & Function

Main Plant Tissues• Dermal Tissue - covers the outside of

the plant & protects it• Ground Tissue - inside the dermal

tissue; provides support, stores materials & is the site of photosynthesis

• Vascular Tissue - transports water & nutrients throughout the plant– Xylem transports water– Phloem transports food

Roots• Roots anchor plants & absorb mineral

nutrients from the soil

root cap

1. Root cap covers the tip &

protects the growing part of the root

Root Parts

Apical meristem

.

2. Apical meristem is where growth occurs.

3. Vascular cylinder is in the center of the root & contains xylem and phloem

Vascular Cylinder

.4. Root hairs

increase surface area to absorb water & nutrients.

Stems• Stems support plants, transport

materials & provide storage

• Primary Growth• Occurs in apical meristem• Lengthens roots & stems

Secondary Growth• Occurs in lateral meristems• Adds to the width of roots and stems

Leaves• Leaves collect sunlight for

photosynthesis• The top of a leaf contains most of the

chloroplasts & is where most photosynthesis takes place

Leaves–Gases are exchanged through openings

called stomata, which are opened & closed by surrounding cells called guard cells

sepal

FlowersFlowers contain sepals and petals, which are

often brightly colored to attract animal pollinators

• A stamen is the male structure of the flower.

– anther produces pollen grains – filament supports the anther

stamen

filament anther

pistil style

stigma

ovary

• The innermost layer of a flower is the female pistil.

– stigma is sticky tip – style is tube leading from stigma to ovary – ovary produces egg cells