1. Roots and Stems

2. Functions of Stems 1.Support system for plant body 2.Transport system carries water & nutrients 3.Holds leaves & branches upright Each light and dark tree ring equals one year of annual growth. Light rings for fast spring growth, dark for slow summer growth. Smaller rings tell of past droughts that have occurred. Looking at the picture to the left: What years had the most rain? What years experienced the worst drought?

3. Functions of Roots Absorb water and minerals from the soil root hairs Specialised cells to increase surface area for water intake Root hairs massively increase the surface area for absorption Anchor & support plant in the ground Fibrous Roots Root Hairs

4. Wheat seed Root hairs Fragile parts of cells that grow from the main root They massively increase the surface area for absorption

5. Root hair cells (x150)

6. Root ‘B’ has had the hairs damaged -

8. Root Types 2. Tap Roots – larger central root reaches deep water sources underground Ex. Trees, Carrots, & Dandelions 1. Fibrous Roots: branching roots hold soil in place to prevent soil erosion Ex. Grasses Slide 3 Tap Root

9. 1.Root Hairs: increase surface area for water & mineral absorption 2.Meristem: region where new cells are produced 3.Root Cap: protects tip of growing root C. The Structure of a Root Slide 4 Root Hairs Root Cap Xylem Phloem Meristem