Plant Structures and Functions

Stems All stems look very similar, but upon closer observation there are many differences!

Functions of Stems Support and position leaves Responsible for size and shape of plant Transport water, minerals and food Green stems produce food

Specialized Stems – Bulbs Short flattened stem which has several fleshy leaves. Bulbs are found beneath the soil. – Onions, Tulips – Corm Spherical structure similar to a bulb – Gladiolus

Specialized Stems – Rhizome Thick underground stem which lies horizontally. – Mother in Law’s Tongue – Stolon Horizontal stem which lies above the ground (often called runners). – Strawberry runners

Specialized Stems – Tuber: Rhizome with a tip swollen with stored food Potatoes

Functions of Leaves Produce food for the plants – Photosynthesis Carry out Transpiration May store food

Leaf Parts Leaf Blade Large, broad, flat surface whose job is to collect sunlight Petiole Supports the leaf and holds it away from the stem Midrib Main vein running down the center of the leaf. It helps hold the leaf so it is facing the sun

Vein Patterns Parallel Veins never cross Found in monocots Netted Veins form a network Found in dicots

Leaf Types Simple Leaf Has only one leaf on the petiole Compound Leaf A leaf with multiple blades.

Leaf Arrangement Leaf spacing and arrangement varies Three major types Alternate Opposite Whorled Draw all 3 in your notes

Reproductive Parts Seed – Formed by fertilized ovules – New, diversified plant life Fruit – Plant ovaries – Protect and nourish seed

Reproductive Parts Flower – Contains Reproductive organs – Produce pollen and ovules – Fertilization occurs when pollen unites with ovules