Adaptations for

9Bb-4 photosynthesis
Water is needed to fill up the cells of plants, to help the plants stand up straight. Water also carries
dissolved mineral salts. Roots take in the water. Roots have many branches, which means that
they can hold a plant firmly in the ground. This also gives them a large surface area to take in
water from a large volume of soil quickly. The stem is strong to support the leaves and contains
many hollow tubes to carry the water to the leaves. Leaves have small holes called stomata and
gases move in and out of the leaf through these (e.g. carbon dioxide for photosynthesis). Leaves
have a large surface area to collect lots of light.

1 In the passage, underline three phrases that describe a process for which water is needed.

2 Parts of roots contain root hair tissue. Draw a box around the sentence in the passage that best
describes why.

3 a What is gas exchange?

b In the passage, circle one chemical substance that takes part in gas exchange in a plant.

c In what plant organ does gas exchange mainly occur?

d Give one way in which this organ is adapted for gas exchange.

4 a The cells that carry out most photosynthesis are

shown in the drawing. How are they adapted to
their function?

b Apart from their cells, explain one other way in which leaves are adapted for
photosynthesis.

5 Describe the route that water takes into and out of a plant.

I can…
● describe how leaves, roots and stems are adapted for their functions
● explain how substances enter and leave plants.

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