Plant Structuresand

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 yournotes

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