Plant Systems

Root and Shoot Systems

Recall…Organism

Prokaryote Eukaryote

Single-celled organism

Multi-celled organism

Animal Plant

Therefore....

• Plants are multi-cellular organisms• Examples: mosses, ferns, conifers and flowering plants

Distinguishing Features of a Plant

• Typically green in colour– Why? – Chlorophyll – green pigmented molecules

found in chloroplasts• Function: absorbs light and aids in

photosynthesis by converting it into energy

• Immobile– often anchored by the root system

Plants and Food

- Since plants cannot move like animals do to obtain food, they must make their own food through a process called Photosynthesis.

glucose

Similarities Between Plants and Animals

1. need to exchange gases with their surroundings2. require an internal transportation system to move water

and nutrients around3. must be able to reproduce

Root and Shoot System

The shoot system is made up of the stem, leaves, flowers, etc.

The root system is made up of one or more separate roots

Since plants are immobile, they do not require complex organ systems. Instead, plant “organs” are referred to as plant parts.The two main body systems (parts) :

Root System

- the part of the plant that anchors the plant and often grows below ground

- It absorbs water and minerals as well as stores nutrient.

- Contain root hairs – which are tiny extensions of the tissue that help with absorption

Where are the roots located?

• Roots are not always located below ground or in soil...

The Banyan tree has aerial roots that grow

downward

Mangroves have root systems that grow out of the water and soil.

WHY???

Shoot System

- The system in a flowering plant that is specialized to conduct photosynthesis and reproduce sexually

- It consists of:- Leaf- Flower - Stem- (fruit)

The Shoot System – The Leaf

• Main photosynthetic structure– Contains chloroplasts– Leaves are structured to maximize

light intake and CO2 intake and to minimize water loss

– There are tiny openings on leaves called stomata that allow materials to pass in and out

– Stomata are controlled by guard cells

• Other functions:– support, protection, reproduction

and attraction

The Shoot System – The Flower

• Specialized structures for sexual reproduction

• The male reproductive structures produce pollen grains

• the female structures produce eggs

• After fertilization, the female parts form seeds, which are often protected by fruits.

What are ways of pollination?PLEASE NOTE• Mosses, ferns and conifers DO NOT

FLOWER – they reproduce by different methods

The Shoot System – The Stem

• Functions:– Supports branches,

leaves and flowers– Provides a way to

transport materials

Homework Questions1. What are the two main differences between plants and

animals?2. How do these differences effect the body parts that

animals and plants have?3. Compare the functions of the leaf and the stem in plants.4. What do chloroplasts do?5. Why are leaves wide and green?6. What is the function of the root system?7. What is the function of the shoot system?8. What does a stomata do?9. Research three ways that plants use to have their pollen

fertilize the female plant’s eggs.10. Research: What strategies do plants use to spread their

fertilized seeds? How do animals help them do this?