The morphology and other properties of plants are used to classify them. Roots, stems, leaves, fruit, and flowers are used to classify plants. As a result, it’s critical to properly understand the structure and functions of each part. Each part of the plant has a specific purpose that is useful to the plant’s growth. Roots take water and nutrients from the soil, stems keep the plant upright in the ground, leaves use sunlight to make food for the plant, and fruit and flowers assist in reproduction, seed dispersion, and protection, among other things.
PARTS OF PLANT
The Root
Absorption of water and nutrients from the soil, appropriate anchoring of plant parts, storage of reserve food material, and synthesis of plant growth regulators are the essential functions of the root system.
In the majority of dicotyledonous plants, direct radicle elongation results in the creation of a main root that develops inside the soil. It has lateral roots of several orders, known to as secondary, tertiary, and so on. The tap root system, as shown in the mustard plant, is made up of the primary roots and their branches.
The primary root of monocotyledonous plants is short-lived and is replaced by a vast number of roots. As shown in the wheat plant, these roots grow from the base of the stem and form the fibrous root system.
The thimble-like structure that covers the root at its apex is called the root cap. It shields the root’s delicate apex as it travels through the soil.
Prop roots are the hanging structure like roots that support a banyan tree. Similarly, maize and sugarcane stems contain supporting roots that emerge from the lower nodes of the stem. These are termed as stilt roots.
Many roots emerge from the ground and grow vertically upwards in certain plants, such as Rhizophora found in marshy areas. Pneumatophores are roots that help in the acquisition of oxygen for breathing.
The Stem
Nodes are the regions of the stem where leaves are formed, whereas internodes are the regions between two nodes.
Some stems have many functions, including food storage, support, protection, and vegetative growth.
Potato, ginger, and turmeric have underground stems that are adapted to store food.
Stem tendrils, which originate from axillary buds and are thin and spirally coiled, assist in the climbing of plants such as cucumbers, pumpkins, and melons, as well as grapevines.
Stem axillary buds may also get transformed into woody, straight, and pointed thorns. Many plants, such as Citrus and Bougainvillea, have thorns. They safeguard plants against animals that graze on them.
Arid-region plants change their stems into flattened or fleshy cylindrical forms. They have chlorophyll and are capable of photosynthesis.
Some plants, such as grass and strawberry, propagate underground stems to new niches, and as older sections die, new plants emerge.
Leaf
On the stem, the leaf is a lateral structure. They develop at the stem carrying axil’s nodes. The axillary buds develop into branches. The leaf is regarded as the most crucial part of photosynthesis. Simple and complex leaves are the two types of leaves. Leaf base, petiole, and lamina are the three primary sections of a leaf. The following are the functions of the leaf:
- Photosynthesis is the process through which leaves use sunlight to create food for the plants.
- Transpiration is the process by which leaves drain surplus water from the plant through microscopic pores known as stomata.
- Water, minerals, and food ingredients are transported by leaves.
Flower
Flowers are the plant’s reproductive units. On the thalamus, the flower has four different kinds of whorls: calyx, corolla, androecium, and gynoecium. Androecium and gynoecium are reproductive organs, whereas calyx and corolla are accessory organs.
Calyx: The calyx is the outermost component of the whorl, which is made up of sepals. The flower is protected by the sepals.
Corolla: The corolla is made up of petals. They are coloured and attract pollinating insects.
Androecium- Androecium is made up of stamens. A stalk or filament, as well as an anther, make up the male reproductive part.
Gynoecium: The stigma, style, and ovary make up the gynoecium. This is the flower’s female reproductive organ.
Flowers’ essential role is reproduction. Insects feed on nectar from flowers, which facilitates pollination.
Fruit
The most essential aspect of blooming plants is their fruits. It is a fully grown ovary that has been fertilised. The following are the parts of the fruits:
Epicarp: The epicarp refers to the dry or fleshy outer covering of the fruit.
Mesocarp: The fruit’s middle layer is known as the mesocarp.
Endocarp: The endocarp is the innermost layer of the fruit.
SEED
The part of a plant that grows from the ovules following fertilisation is the seed. They are enclosed in the fruit which develops from the fertilised ovary. Seeds are produced as a result of sexual reproduction and contain a young embryo which is capable of developing into a new plant. The functions that are carried out by the seeds are:
- They assist in the germination of new plants.
- The embryo inside the seed coat is protected by the seed coat.
CONCLUSION
Plants are essential to the survival of life on Earth. The intricate process of photosynthesis, which is mostly carried out by green plants, is responsible for all energy needed by living beings. Humans are also directly impacted by plants in their daily lives. Plants provide food and flavourings, as well as raw materials for industry such as wood, resins, oils, and rubber, as well as textile and cordage fibres, medications, pesticides, and fuels. Each portion of a plant has a certain role to complete in order for the plant to stay alive and healthy.