Parts of the plant

Roots

Types of roots

Taproots

Main root that grows vertically

Examples

carrots

radishes

Fibrous roots

Thin

branching roots

Examples

grass

wheat

Functions of roots

Absorption of water and nutrients

Root hairs increase surface area

Mycorrhizal fungi aid in nutrient absorption

Anchoring and support

Prevents plant from falling over

Helps in strong winds or rain

Modifications of roots

Storage roots

Modified for storing nutrients

Examples

sweet potatoes

beets

Adventitious roots

Roots that develop from non-root tissues

Examples

aerial roots in epiphytes

Stems

Types of stems

Herbaceous stems

Soft and flexible

Examples

dandelions

roses

Woody stems

Hard and rigid

Examples

trees

shrubs

Functions of stems

Support and transport

Provide structural support

Transport water

nutrients

and sugars

Photosynthesis

Green stems can perform photosynthesis

Examples

cacti

succulents

Modifications of stems

Rhizomes

Horizontal underground stems

Examples

ginger

iris

Stolons

Horizontal aboveground stems

Examples

strawberry runners

Leaves

Types of leaves

Simple leaves

Single leaf blade

Examples

maple

oak

Compound leaves

Divided into leaflets

Examples

ferns

clover

Functions of leaves

Photosynthesis

Production of food through sunlight

Chlorophyll is responsible for photosynthesis

Transpiration

Loss of water through leaf stomata

Helps in cooling the plant

Leaf adaptations

Needle leaves

Reduce water loss in dry environments

Examples

pine trees

Succulent leaves

Store water in arid conditions

Examples

cacti

aloe vera

Flowers

Parts of a flower

Petals

Attract pollinators

Range in colors and shapes

Sepals

Protect the flower bud

Green in color

Stamens

Male reproductive organs

Consist of anther and filament

Pistils

Female reproductive organs

Consist of stigma

style

and ovary

Flower pollination

Insect pollination

Bees

butterflies

and other insects

Transfer pollen from flower to flower

Wind pollination

No need for attractant petals or fragrance

Examples

grasses

conifers

Fruits

Types of fruits

True fruits

Develop from the ovary of a flower

Examples

apples

oranges

False fruits

Develop from other parts of the flower

Examples

strawberries

pineapples

Functions of fruits

Seed dispersal

Aid in the dispersal of seeds

Through wind

animals

or water

Protection of seeds

Outer covering protects the seeds

Examples

hard shells

fleshy coverings