Parts of a Typical Plant

Plants are multicellular organisms with many of the same requirements as animals.
They need to reproduce, repair their tissues, grow, and excrete waste. All of these
require energy.

Energy is produced through the process of cellular respiration

food (glucose) + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + energy

C6H12O6 + 6 O2 + 6 H2O + ATP (adenosine triphosphate)

The glucose is produced by photosynthesis since plants are autotrophs

these two processes are complimentary. one depends on the other.

there must be tissues which transport the nutrients and gasses from the environment to
the cells. these tissues are different from those found in animals.

plants do not have organ systems as found in animals. They have two main body
systems; the root system and the shoot system.

There must be tissues which transport the nutrients and gases from the
environment to the cells. These tissues are different than those found
in animals.

Plants do not have organ systems as found in animals. They have two
main body systems; the root and shoot system.

Root System

This system consists of all the below ground structures** that:

➢ anchor the plant

➢ absorb water and minerals from the ground

➢ store food for later use

** some plants have roots above the ground. These are special
adaptations to their environment.

Shoot System
This system consists of all of the above ground structures that are specialized for two
main functions:
➢ conduct photosynthesis or contribute substances to the process

➢ reproduction

There are three parts to the shoot system.

1) Flowers
These are specialized structures developed for sexual reproduction

The male reproductive structures produce the pollen grains and have modifications
to ensure the pollen is distributed.

The female reproductive structures accept the pollen and ensure it fertilizes the
egg to form the seed which is contained within the fruit.

Some plants contain both male and female structures

If both sex structures are in the same flower it is called a
hermaphroditic plant.

If there are separate male and female flowers but they

are on the same plant it is a monoecious plant such as
corn, cucumber, and begonia.

Other species have separate male and female plants.

These are called dioecious plants such as holly, kiwi, and asparagus.

2) Leaves
These are the primary sites for photosynthesis

They can also provide:

➢ support such as tendrils on grape vine

➢ protection such as thorns, spikes, ex cacti

➢ attraction of pollinators ex red leaves on poinsettia

3) Stems
The stem has several functions:
➢ support for the branches, leaves, and flowers

➢ Movement of water from the roots upward to all plant parts

➢ Transportation of food up and down to where it is to be used or stored

➢ storage of excess food

➢ protection

➢ photosynthesis