Plant Organs and Their Functions

Flashcards covering plant organs, their structures, and functions.

Plant Organs

Tissues that act together to serve a specific function.

Shoot System

Includes flower, leaf, fruit, and stem; facilitates reproduction, photosynthesis, and protection.

Root System

Consists of primary and secondary roots that absorb water and nutrients.

Flower

The part of the plant involved in reproduction.

Leaf

Organ that performs photosynthesis.

Fruit

Protects the seeds.

Stem

Main supporting organ of the plant.

Node

Point where leaves, roots, or flowers attach.

Internode

Region between two nodes.

Petiole

Stalk connecting the leaf to the stem.

Axillary Bud

Forms a branch or flower; found at the axil.

Epidermis

Outer layer that protects the stem from injury and water loss.

Vascular Tissue

Includes xylem and phloem for transporting nutrients.

Xylem

Carries water and minerals from the roots to the leaves.

Phloem

Transports food (sugars) from the leaves to other parts of the plant.

Ground Tissue

Includes pith and cortex, providing support and storage.

Functions of Stem

Conduces materials from roots to leaves and stores food.

Primary Root

Grows downward as part of the plant's root system.

Secondary Roots

Branching roots that grow sideways from the primary root.

Tertiary Root

Additional branching roots supporting the plant.

Root Hair

Thin outgrowths that increase surface area for absorption.

Region of Maturation

Part of the root where cells differentiate.

Region of Elongation

Section of the root where cells grow longer.

Region of Cell Division

Area in roots where new cells are produced.

Root Cap

Tip of the root that protects the growing point.

Fibrous Root System

Characterized by shallow and numerous roots.

Taproot System

Features a single, deep root that anchors the plant.

Adventitious Roots

Roots that arise from parts of the plant other than roots.

Functions of Roots

Absorb water, anchor the plant, and store food.

Leaves

Site of photosynthesis and transpiration.

Blade

Flat, expanded portion of a leaf.

Veins

Lateral extensions from the midrib reaching the leaf margin.

Midrib

Main vein providing support to the leaf.

Simple Leaf

A single undivided leaf.

Compound Leaf

A leaf divided into multiple leaflets.

Pinnately Compound Leaf

Feather-like arrangement of leaflets along a central vein.

Palmate Compound Leaf

Leaflets radiating from a single point.

Phyllotaxy

Arrangement of leaves on a stem.

Whorled Arrangement

Multiple leaves attached at a single node.

Spiral Arrangement

Leaves arranged around the stem in a spiral fashion.

Opposite Arrangement

Two leaves located at each node directly opposite each other.

Alternate Arrangement

Leaves arranged in an alternating pattern on the stem.

Flowers

Reproductive parts of angiosperms involved in pollination.

Self-Pollinating

The plant fertilizes itself.

Cross-Pollinating

Requires an external vector for pollination.

Stamen

Male part of a flower comprising anther and filament.

Anther

Part of the stamen that contains pollen grains.

Filament

Stalk-like part supporting the anther.

Pollen Grains

Contains sperm for fertilization.

Pistil

Female part of the flower.

Stigma

Sticky tip where pollen attaches.

Style

Connects stigma to the ovary.

Ovary

Contains eggs that mature into seeds.

Petals

Colorful structures that attract pollinators.

Sepal

Green structure that protects the flower bud.

Fruits

Matured ovaries that hold and protect seeds.

Epicarp

Outer skin of the fruit.

Mesocarp

Fleshy middle layer of the fruit.

Endocarp

Inner layer enclosing the seed.

Seed

Contains the embryo for a new plant.

Transpiration

Movement of water from roots to aerial parts of the plant.

Root System Functions

Absorbs nutrients, supports the plant, and aids reproduction.

Woody Stem

Hard, rigid support structure of some plants.

Herbaceous Stem

Soft, flexible support structure.

Climbing Stems

Stems that help the plant climb for support.

Thorns

Modified stems for protection.

Tubers

Storage stems that can produce new plants.

Succulent Stems

Thick stems that store water.

Vascular Plants

Plants containing xylem and phloem for nutrient transport.