A General Plant Structure
In this section we'll be focusing on the structure of the plant. We will be discussing vascular plants which have systems of tubes (xylem and phloem) for the transport of water and nutrients throughout the plant. However please note that there is a large variety of plants on the face of this earth, there's even a group of plant that does not possess a vascular system (eg. mosses and liverworts). Even though they don't possess a vascular system or a classic plant structure they are still have photosynthesis. There are even plants that do not have any leaves and hence photosynthesis takes place in the stem of these plants.
Alike But Different
As stated earlier there are a lot of exceptions to a basic plant structure however there are a few similarities. Let's explore these similarities. The most basic similarity is on a cellular level where plants conduct photosynthesis, this process takes place in the chloroplast where the sun energy's is converted into molecular energy with the aid of chlorophyll molecules and a variety of enzymes. As it relates to vascular plants, they share similar structures, namely: roots, stems and leaves. Most plants may have different version however the basics are there. The petals o a flower is an example of the specialization we are referring to, these petals are actually specialized leaves that aids in the reproduction structure of the plant.
Roots Below the Ground
The root of a plant is the part that is normally found underground. The root acts as an anchor for the plant and as such is designed to perform the following tasks:
-To absorb or take in water and minerals from the ground
-To hold the plant in place.
-To store food for the plant.
-To prevent soil erosion.
Plants are exposed to different environment therefore water plants may have their roots submerged in the water. Unlike traditional trees that have their roots deep in the soil. There are also plants that live in trees and their root system clings to the branches of the host tree, these plants are known as epiphytes. Humans often benefit from the roots of the plant for food. Did you know that carrots are just one big orange root?
The roots also provide an anchor in the soil for the plants, which means if a hard wind is blown the plant will not fall over due to the roots acting as an anchor. There are plant species with the root above ground which provides support for the entire plant. The roots have specialized hairs known as roots hair that aid in the absorption of water and nutrients. The root hairs are short and short-lived and it makes the roots look fuzzy. The roots can be broken down further into primary root and lateral roots with each possessing an apical meristem at their tips.
Shoots Above the Ground
Although we stated that some plants have roots above the ground, most of the plants you see has stems and leaves which are apart of the shoot system. Young plants have simple and undeveloped shoots but as the plant grows the shots are developed into stem and leaves. Stems main function is to transport food and water as well as act as a supporting structure while the leaves main function is to carry out the process of photosynthesis. The shoot system enables a plant to grow taller in order to gain access to more energy (sunlight) and allows the plant to convert the light energy into chemical energy of sugar during photosynthesis. Shoots like roots develop from ground, dermal and vascular tissues.
Shoots target the above-ground business of the plant. Very young plants may possess only simple, undeveloped shoots. As a plant grows, however, these tender shoots develop into stems and leaves. So, stems and leaves are really part of the shoot system. Stems and leaves are so different and specialized that it is worth considering them separately. Overall, the shoot system enables a plant to grow taller to gain access to energy-giving light, and allows the plant to convert that light energy into the chemical energy of sugar. Like roots, shoots develop from ground, dermal, and vascular tissues.