1. Plants Structures & Functions

2. Characteristics of Plants
Eukaryotic
Multicellular
Autotrophs
Cell walls made of cellulose
Remember biomolecules?

3. Importance of plants Earth’s major producers
Provide food and shelter for many organisms
Supply oxygen needed for cellular respiration

4. Leaves Broad, flat organ that traps light energy
Contain 1000s of chloroplasts for photosynthesis
Why are leaves considered organs? (hint: think levels of organization)

5. Cross-section of a leaf:
(Plural: Stomata)
(protection)
(allows gas xchg)
(photosynthesis)

6. What type of biomolecule makes up the cuticle?
Protective waxy layer on leaves
Prevent evaporation & tissues from drying out
What type of biomolecule makes up the cuticle?

7. Stomata
Openings on the surface of the leaf – allows for gas exchange during photosynthesis
(Take in CO2, release O2)
Regulated by guard cells - allow for gas exchange –Opens and closes the stomata.
Can close to prevent water loss – transpiration

8. Roots Anchors plant in ground Absorbs water & minerals from soil
Transports nutrients to stem
Would roots be considered organs? Why or why not?

9. Stem Provides support for upright growth
Contains tissues for transporting food, water, and nutrients from one part of the plant to another

10. Summary Vascular Tissue Direction Substance Xylem Leaves  Roots Water
Phloem 
Sugar

11. Xylem carries water from the roots to the leaves
Phloem ‘flows’ sugars/food from leaves down to roots

12. Vascular Bundles in a Stem
Xylem
Phloem
Would stems be considered organs? Why or why not?

13. Seeds
Contain an embryo, food supply and is surrounded by a protective covering.
Are enclosed in fruit or cones
(endosperm)