What are the functions of roots, stems, and leaves? Plant Structures - 2 What are the functions of roots, stems, and leaves?

Leaves Leaves capture the sun’s energy and carry out the food making process called photosynthesis

Top and bottom surface layers protect the cells inside Leaf Structure Top and bottom surface layers protect the cells inside Between these layers are veins that contain xylem and phloem Surface has small openings called stomata

Stomata open and close to control when gasses enter or leave the leaf When they are open, carbon dioxide enters, and oxygen and water vapor leave

Controlling water loss Because the leaf is exposed to air, water can quickly evaporate from it Transpiration – the process by which water leaves a plant’s leaves

Plants have ways to slow down transpiration Stoma Plants have ways to slow down transpiration Cells around stoma are called guard cells, and they swell and shrink based on water needs

Seeds Inside a seed is a partially developed plant The young plant that develops from the zygote is called the embryo

Seed Structure In all seeds, the embryo has one or more leaves called the cotelydon The outer covering is called the seed coat In many plants, seeds are surrounded by fruit

Dormancy and Germination A seed can remain inactive for a long time, dormancy Once the seed absorbs water, germination can begin, when the embryo uses stored food and begins to grow

Sepals fold back to reveal the petals Structures of a flower When a flower is still a bud, it is enclosed by leaflike structures called sepals Sepals fold back to reveal the petals

Flower structures continued Stamen are the male reproductive parts and the anther, where pollen is made is at the top Pistils are the female parts, tip of the pistil is called the stigma, tube is called the style, and the bottom is the ovary