Plant Stem & Leaves SG

What are the 3 functions of the root

1. Anchor

2. take in nutrients

3. store food

Difference between Taproot and Fibrous roots

Taproot- Single thick root that grows straight down

Fibrous- Many different, thin roots, branching from the base of the stem

How do root hairs impact the plant

Increase surface area of a plant which improves the absorption of water and minerals, as well as helping anchor

What is the vascular tissue

Its composed of the Xylem and the Phloem. A system that takes in water and minerals

What factors help with the absorption of water in roots and how they affect it (temp, etc)

Higher temp creates a higher increase of water (think of when you’re hot and thirsty)

• Increased evaporation

Cold temps can lead to less absorption

What is mutualism

When one species relies on another species of plant to survive

How does mutualistic relationships help plants (specifically Mycorrhiza)

Mycorrhizal fungi can enhance the nutrient and water uptake. It can also increase the quality of the soil

How can you tell the root system of a plant is healthy?

Healthy root systems are white and have a fresh smell. Unhealthy plants have a rooting smell and are often brown and mushy

What is a stem

Main part of the plant that supports the leaves, flowers, fruits and transports water and minerals through the plant. It also keeps leaves at a good angle to take in light

Dermal tissue

The outermost layer of a plant that protects it from environmental stressors

Xylem

TRANSPORTS broken down water and minerals

Phloem

BREAKS DOWN minerals and water for the plant

Monocot Characteristics

• Single cotyledon (seed leaf)

• Parallel leaf veins

• Scattered vascular bundles

• a fibrous root system

• flowers of three

Dicot characteristics

• Pith

• Organized vascular system

• two seed leaf

• Taproot structure