1. Plant Growth Growth takes place only in the growth regions of plants. In all growth regions there is a special tissue called growth tissue where cells are reproducing (mitosis). Where does growth take place in a plant? What is the tissue called where cells grow and divide in a plant?

2. There are two different kinds of growth regions. One growth region causes the plant to grow longer. They are located at the tips of branches, stems, and roots. How many different kinds of growth regions are there? Where are the growth regions that cause the plant to grow longer?

3. The other growth region causes the plant to grow bigger around (circumference). There are two types of stem systems: woody and herbaceous (non-woody). In an herbaceous stem system the growth ring is halfway between the middle and the outside. Besides length, how else do plants grow? What are the two types of stem systems? Where is the growth ring in an herbaceous stem system?

4. In a woody stem system, the growth ring is just under the bark making a ring. There are two rings that make up an annual ring: one representing spring growth, the other representing summer growth, that represent a year’s growth. Spring wood has larger cells with thin cell walls-lighter color. Summer wood has smaller cells with thick cell walls – darker color. The study of growth rings can tell the life history of a tree. For example, uneven growth, age, abundant rain, scars, drought, pollution. Where is the growth ring in a woody stem system? What do the two rings in a woody stem system represent? What do the cells of spring wood look like? What do the cells of summer wood look like? What are some things tree rings can tell you?

5. Plants that grow from seeds in the spring then die in the fall are called annuals. They form seeds, before they die, that will grow new plants. Plants that grow from seeds in the spring, seem to die in the fall, but then start to re- grow in the spring are called perennials. They also form seeds that will grow new plants. When a plant is in a period of non-activity or rest, it is said to be dormant. What are the characteristics of an annual plant? What are the characteristics of a perennial plant? What are some examples of perennial plants? What are some examples of annual plants? What is it called when a plant is inactive or at rest? Corn, zinnias, pansies, daises, lettuce, peas, marigold, geraniums and watermelon, are examples of annuals. Grass, oak trees, rose bushes, tulips, orchids, potatoes, daises, strawberry plants, are examples of perennials.