Date post: | 13-Dec-2015 |
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Roots, Stems, and Leaves
Roots• Types of roots
– Taproot: primary root that grows longer and thicker than the secondary roots (grows deeper)
• ex. carrots
– Fibrous roots: wide branching of roots with no single root larger than rest (grows shallow)
• ex. grasses
Roots• Functions:
– anchor plants in soil– absorb water and nutrients from soil
• Nutrients are dissolved in the water
– store carbohydrates that plant can use later• Ex. Beets, radishes, and carrots
Root adaptations
• Root cap: protective cap on tip of the root; secretes wax to help root move through soil
• Root hairs: fine, hair-like extensions of root; increases surface area for greater water absorption
• Nodules: found on roots of some plants like bean plants; where symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria live
Stems
• Functions:– Support leaves– Transport materials between
roots and leaves– Storage site for nutrients
Leaves
• Structure:– Simple leaf: a leaf with one single blade– Compound leaf: a leaf blade that is divided into
several leaflets
Simple leafCompound leaf
leaflets