Ground Tissue Lies between the dermal and vascular tissues Parenchyma – has thin cell walls and large central vacuoles Collenchyma – has strong, flexible cell walls and is found in larger plants Sclerenchyma – has extremely thick, rigid cells walls

Roots Types of roots: Taproot - A thick primary root that grows long and is found mainly in dicots Fibrous roots – branch extensively and are found mainly in monocots

Root Structure & Growth Root hairs – tiny projections from the epidermis that increases the surface area for absorption of water Cortex – layer of ground tissue Endodermis – layer of tissue that encloses the vascular tissue Root cap – protects the root as it forces its way through the soil

Root Structure & Function

Root Function Anchor a plant in the ground Absorb water and dissolved nutrients from the soil

Stem Function & Types Three important functions: Two types: Produce leaves, branches and flowers Hold leaves up in the sunlight Transport substances between roots and leaves Two types: Monocot – has vascular bundles that contain the xylem & phloem scattered randomly Dicot – have vascular bundles organized in a ringlike pattern

Stem Structures Nodes – where leaves are attached Internodes – regions between the nodes Buds – contain undeveloped tissue that can produce new stems and leaves