Plant Parts and

Functions
By :

Alisa Kowalski
Jessi Spry
Alyson Wilson

Parts of The Plant

Roots
2 Types of Root
Systems

Taproot System
Primary root grows down
from the stem with some
small secondary roots
forming
Examples: Carrots & Turnips

Roots
Fibrous System
Small lateral roots that
spread out just below the
soils surface
Examples: Corn & Beans

Parts of the Root

Epidermis
Outermost layer of cells

Cortex
Tissue inside epidermis that
stores starch and other
substances necessary for
the growth of the root

Parts of the Root

Root Cap
Provides protection for the root tip

Root Hairs
Site of absorption

Vascular Tissue
Within cortex, contains cells that transport
water, nutrients, and minerals to all parts of
the plant

Root Functions
Roots have 4 primary functions
1. Absorption of water and nutrients
(performed by root hairs)
2. Transportation of water and nutrients to stem
3. Anchor plant to maintain stability
4. Store food and water

Leaves
Blade
Main body of leaf

Petiole
Attaches blade to stem

Midrib
Large central vein

Leaves
Apex
Tip of leaf

Base
Attaches to petiole, if petiole is absent
attaches directly to stem

Margin
Edge of leaf

Leaves
Epidermis
Responsible for gas and water exchange

Stomata
Opening in epidermis where gas and water
exchange

Mesophyll
Middle layer of leaf where photosynthesis occurs

Important Functions of
Leaves
Photosynthesis
Process that plants use to produce their food
6CO2 + 6H2OC6H1206 + 6 O2

Transpiration
Loss of water and exchange of carbon dioxide

Parts of the Stem

Node
Areas where side
branches and leaves
develop from

Internode
Area between
nodes

Lenticles

Small holes located in

the stem (breathing
pores)

Functions of the Stem

1. Transports water and nutrients from
roots to leaves
2. Supports leaves, fruits and
flowers
3. Food Storage

Fruit Classification
Aggregate
Develop from a single
flower with many ovaries

Examples: Strawberries &

Tulips

Fruit Classification
Multiple
Fruit develops from a
group of tightly
clustered flowers

Examples: Pineapples &

Figs

Fruit Classification
Simple
Develop from a
single ovary

Examples: Cherries &

Tomatoes

Fruits Function
Site of seed production

Flower Parts
Pistil
Female part of plant
Consists of:
Stigma
Style
Ovary

Flower Parts
Stamen
Male reproductive organ
Consists of:
Anther
Stamen

Flower Parts
Petals
Highly colored part of the flower, may
contain perfume and/or nectar glands

Sepals
Small green structures on the base of
a flower that protect the flower bud

Flower Classification
Complete flower

Has all four male and female

parts

Incomplete flower

Missing one of the four male or

female parts

Perfect flower

Has stamens and pistils

Imperfect flower

Lacking either stamens or pistils

Flower Function
Sexual Reproduction is the flowers sole function

Pollination by:
Wind
Insects and Birds

Parts of the Seed

Embryo
Growing part of seed
Endosperm
Tissue that provides nutrition for the developing
seed
Cotyledon
Food storage tissue

Parts of the Seed

Seedcoat
Protective outer covering of the
seed
Scutellum
Absorbs the endosperm