Plant Structure and Functions

Pharmaceutical Botany with Taxonomy: Plant Structure and Functions

1. Structural Organization of Plants

Cells: At the lowest level are cells (the basic unit of structure and function).

Examples: Parenchyma, Sclerenchyma, Vessel elements

Tissues: Cells are organized together to form tissues (groups of similar cells performing a specific function).

Examples: Xylem, Phloem

Organs: Tissues are organized together to form organs (two or more tissues performing specific functions).

Examples: Leaves, Stamens, Roots, Stems

Organ Systems: Organs are organized together to form organ systems (groups of organs working together for complex functions).

Examples: Flowers, Shoots, Root System

2. Plant Cell Types

Parenchyma Cells

Characteristics:

Least specialized plant cells

Thin and flexible primary cell walls

Large central vacuole

Living at functional maturity

Functions:

Carry on most of the plant's metabolic functions (photosynthesis, storage, secretion)

Retain the ability to divide and differentiate into other cell types (unspecialized)

Collenchyma Cells