Download Roots, Stems, and Leaves

Roots, Stems, and Leaves
Roots
• Types of roots
– Taproot: primary root that grows
longer and thicker than the secondary
roots (grows deeper)
• ex. carrots
– Fibrous roots: wide branching of
roots with no single root larger
than rest (grows shallow)
• ex. grasses
Roots
• Functions:
– anchor plants in soil
– absorb water and nutrients from soil
• Nutrients are dissolved in the water
– store carbohydrates that plant can use later
• Ex. Beets, radishes, and carrots
Root adaptations
• Root cap: protective cap on tip of the root;
secretes wax to help root move through soil
• Root hairs: fine, hair-like extensions of root;
increases surface area for greater water
absorption
• Nodules: found on roots of some plants like
bean plants; where symbiotic nitrogenfixing bacteria live
Stems
• Functions:
– Support leaves
– Transport materials between
roots and leaves
– Storage site for nutrients
Leaves
• Structure:
– Simple leaf: a leaf with one single blade
– Compound leaf: a leaf blade that is divided into
several leaflets
Simple leaf
Compound leaf
leaflets
Leaves
• Function:
– Primary site for photosynthesis
• Converts energy from sunlight into food source
(glucose)
• Occurs in cell organelles called chloroplasts
– Site for gas exchange (oxygen/carbon dioxide)
• Occurs through stoma (singular: stomata) which are
openings in leaves
stoma
chloroplast