The Parts of Plants

Here is information you need to read. Then, complete the chart with the job of each plant part.

Lesson 2: What are the parts of plants?

The Roles of Leaves and Stems Plants are made of many cells. Some cells make food. Other cells store the food. Groups of cells that work together are called tissue. Wood is one kind of plant tissue. Different tissues work together to form organs. Leaves, stems, and roots are plant organs. Almost all plants have these organs. All leaves have the same job. They make food. Leaves come in many shapes and sizes. This makes their job easier. For example, pine trees have thin, pointy needles. This shape keeps the trees from losing too much water. Most plants have flat leaves. This shape helps leaves collect sunlight. The plant uses the sunlight’s energy to make food. All stems have the same two jobs. They hold up the leaves. This helps them catch sunlight. Stems also carry water, minerals, and food through the plant. Some stems are soft. You could bend them in your hand. These stems are usually green. They make food like leaves do. Daisies and tomato plants have soft, green stems. Woody stems are hard and thick. They hold up larger plants. Bark is a layer of dead cells. It protects these plants. Maple trees have hard, woody stems. during photosynthesis. Plant Part Job Leaves Stems Roots Tap roots

The Roles of Roots Roots have many jobs. One job is to keep the plant in the ground. They also take in water and minerals from the soil. One job roots cannot do is make food. Root cells do not have chlorophyll in them. But some roots can store extra food. The plant uses this food when it cannot make enough Roots grow away from the stem to find water and nutrients. A fibrous root system has roots growing in many directions. This lets the plant absorb water and minerals from a large area. Grasses and trees have fibrous roots. Their roots are long. They are not thick. Taproots A large, main root is called a taproot. A taproot grows straight down. The taproot stores water and nutrients from the soil. It grows thicker as it stores food for the plant. Carrots, turnips, and dandelions have taproots. Root hairs grow out from the sides of the taproot. They take in water and nutrients from the soil. Root hairs help the plant get the materials it needs to grow and make food. Plants without Roots Some plants do not have underground roots. They are called air plants. They absorb moisture from the air. They take nutrients from dust in the air. Air plants use these things to make their own food. Spanish moss is an air plant. It grows in many parts of the southern United States. It hangs from walls, fences, and other plants.

How do we call plants without roots?  How do they survive?