Plant structure adaptations and responses

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Slide 1

Structure of Plants

Slide 1

Slide 2

A. Functions of Roots

Anchor & support plant in the ground

Absorb water & minerals

Hold soil in place

Slide 2

Fibrous Roots

Root Hairs

Slide 3

B. Root Types

2. Tap Roots –larger central root reaches deep water sources underground

Ex. Trees, Carrots, & Dandelions

1. Fibrous Roots: branching roots hold soil in place to prevent soil erosion

Ex. Grasses

Slide 3

Tap Root

Slide 4

Root Hairs: increase surface area for water & mineral absorption

Meristem: region where new cells are produced

Root Cap: protects tip of growing root

C. The Structure of a Root

Slide 4

Root Hairs

Meristem

Root Cap

Xylem

Phloem

Slide 5

Functions of Stems

Support system for plant body

Transport system carries water & nutrients

Holds leaves & branches upright

Slide 5

Each light and dark tree ring equals one year of annual growth. Light rings for fast spring growth, dark for slow summer growth.

Smaller rings tell of past droughts that have occurred.

Looking at the picture to the left:

What years had the most rain?

What years experienced the worst drought?

Slide 6

Functions of Leaves

Slide # 6

Main photosynthetic organ

Broad, flat surface increases surface area for light absorption

Have systems to prevent water loss

Stomata open in day but close at night or when hot to conserve water

waxy cuticle on surface

System of gas exchange

Allow CO2 in and O2 out of leaf

Elephant Ear Plant

Slide 7

Leaf Structures

Cuticle: waxy layer; covers upper surface

Protects leaf against water loss

Veins: transports water, nutrients and food

Made of xylem and phloem

Mesophyll: contains cells that perform photosynthesis

b/c they contain Chloroplasts.

2 Guard Cells

Surround

each

Stoma

Mesophyll

Slide # 7

(Opening)

Leaf Cross-Section

Veins

Cuticle

Stoma

Stoma- singular

Stomata-plural

Slide 8

More Plant Parts…

Guard Cells

Guard cells:

cells that open and close the stoma

Stomata: openings in leaf’s surface; when open: