Plant Systems
Root and Shoot Systems
Recall…Organism
Prokaryote Eukaryote
Single-celled organism
Multi-celled organism
Animal Plant
Therefore....
• Plants are multi-cellular organisms• Examples: mosses, ferns, conifers and flowering plants
Distinguishing Features of a Plant
• Typically green in colour– Why? – Chlorophyll – green pigmented molecules
found in chloroplasts• Function: absorbs light and aids in
photosynthesis by converting it into energy
• Immobile– often anchored by the root system
Plants and Food
- Since plants cannot move like animals do to obtain food, they must make their own food through a process called Photosynthesis.
glucose
Similarities Between Plants and Animals
1. need to exchange gases with their surroundings2. require an internal transportation system to move water
and nutrients around3. must be able to reproduce
Root and Shoot System
The shoot system is made up of the stem, leaves, flowers, etc.
The root system is made up of one or more separate roots
Since plants are immobile, they do not require complex organ systems. Instead, plant “organs” are referred to as plant parts.The two main body systems (parts) :
Root System
- the part of the plant that anchors the plant and often grows below ground
- It absorbs water and minerals as well as stores nutrient.
- Contain root hairs – which are tiny extensions of the tissue that help with absorption
Where are the roots located?
• Roots are not always located below ground or in soil...
The Banyan tree has aerial roots that grow
downward
Mangroves have root systems that grow out of the water and soil.
WHY???
Shoot System
- The system in a flowering plant that is specialized to conduct photosynthesis and reproduce sexually
- It consists of:- Leaf- Flower - Stem- (fruit)
The Shoot System – The Leaf
• Main photosynthetic structure– Contains chloroplasts– Leaves are structured to maximize
light intake and CO2 intake and to minimize water loss
– There are tiny openings on leaves called stomata that allow materials to pass in and out
– Stomata are controlled by guard cells• Other functions:
– support, protection, reproduction and attraction
The Shoot System – The Flower• Specialized structures for
sexual reproduction• The male reproductive
structures produce pollen grains
• the female structures produce eggs
• After fertilization, the female parts form seeds, which are often protected by fruits.
What are ways of pollination?PLEASE NOTE• Mosses, ferns and conifers DO NOT
FLOWER – they reproduce by different methods
The Shoot System – The Stem
• Functions:– Supports branches,
leaves and flowers– Provides a way to
transport materials
Homework Questions1. What are the two main differences between plants and
animals?2. How do these differences effect the body parts that
animals and plants have?3. Compare the functions of the leaf and the stem in plants.4. What do chloroplasts do?5. Why are leaves wide and green?6. What is the function of the root system?7. What is the function of the shoot system?8. What does a stomata do?9. Research three ways that plants use to have their pollen
fertilize the female plant’s eggs.10. Research: What strategies do plants use to spread their
fertilized seeds? How do animals help them do this?