The Plant Body
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Chapter 35
The Plant Body
1. Describe and compare the three basic organs of vascular plants. Explain how these basic organs are interdependent.
The three basic organs of a vascular plant are the stems, leaves, and roots. The stems consist of nodes, where leaves attach, and internodes between the nodes. The stem is responsible for elongation of the plant and acts as a central axis for other organs to attach to. The roots help to anchor the plant as well as absorb water and nutrients from the soil. In addition, roots often form mycorrhizae with fungi, providing further advantage. Some roots are specially designed to store nutrients for later use of the plant. Leaves are wide flat regions that grow off of the stem. Their primary purpose is to add surface area for photosynthesis.
2. List the basic functions of roots. Describe and compare the structures and functions of fibrous roots, taproots, root hairs, and adventitious roots.
The roots help to anchor the plant as well as absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Roots often form mycorrhizae with fungi, providing further advantage. Some roots are specially designed to store nutrients for later use of the plant. Roots come in two types: fibrous roots and roots that stem from a taproot. Fibrous roots are net-like and generally thin, spreading out underground, but not off of a main root. Taproots are primary roots that lateral roots branch off of. Taproots are much thicker and can go deeper underground, providing better anchorage. Root hairs grow from root tips and, while not technically roots on their own, provide additional surface area for absorption of water and nutrients. Adventitious roots grow off of the stem. They usually help plants that are tall and stalky not fall over.
3. Describe the basic structure of plant stems.
The stem is responsible for most primary growth. It is also the organ that the leaves and reproductive structures are attached too. Some stems are
Chapter 35
The Plant Body
1. Describe and compare the three basic organs of vascular plants. Explain how these basic organs are interdependent.
The three basic organs of a vascular plant are the stems, leaves, and roots. The stems consist of nodes, where leaves attach, and internodes between the nodes. The stem is responsible for elongation of the plant and acts as a central axis for other organs to attach to. The roots help to anchor the plant as well as absorb water and nutrients from the soil. In addition, roots often form mycorrhizae with fungi, providing further advantage. Some roots are specially designed to store nutrients for later use of the plant. Leaves are wide flat regions that grow off of the stem. Their primary purpose is to add surface area for photosynthesis.
2. List the basic functions of roots. Describe and compare the structures and functions of fibrous roots, taproots, root hairs, and adventitious roots.
The roots help to anchor the plant as well as absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Roots often form mycorrhizae with fungi, providing further advantage. Some roots are specially designed to store nutrients for later use of the plant. Roots come in two types: fibrous roots and roots that stem from a taproot. Fibrous roots are net-like and generally thin, spreading out underground, but not off of a main root. Taproots are primary roots that lateral roots branch off of. Taproots are much thicker and can go deeper underground, providing better anchorage. Root hairs grow from root tips and, while not technically roots on their own, provide additional surface area for absorption of water and nutrients. Adventitious roots grow off of the stem. They usually help plants that are tall and stalky not fall over.
3. Describe the basic structure of plant stems.
The stem is responsible for most primary growth. It is also the organ that the leaves and reproductive structures are attached too. Some stems are