Plant structure and function(parts of chapters 35, 36 and 37).pptVIP

Plant structure and function(parts of chapters 35, 36 and 37) Unlike animals, plants remain in one place and produce food through photosynthesis. In the process of photosynthesis plants (and other photosynthetic organisms such as algae, other protists, and cyanobacteria) trap the energy in sunlight and store it in chemical bonds. The energy stored in chemical bonds can then be used to fuel metabolic processes. Plants and photosynthesis This process is called photosynthesis. In this class we will not discuss the process of photosynthesis in detail. It is covered in depth in Bio 101. Photosynthesis In photosynthesis carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H20) and the energy provided by light are used to make glucose. 6 CO2 + 12 H20 + energy ? C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6 H20 Chloroplasts The organelle plants use to carry out photosynthesis is the chloroplast. In plants chloroplasts are concentrated in the leaves, which generally are thin and flat to allow maximum exposure to light. Basic structure of plants To carry out photosynthesis plants must obtain water and minerals from the soil, CO2 from the air, and light from the sun. The structure of plants reflects their need to carry out these tasks. Basic structure of plants Plants have three basic organs: Roots Stems Leaves These organs are organized into two systems: the largely below-ground root system and the above-ground shoot system (stems and leaves). Roots Roots perform several tasks. They Anchor the plant in place Absorb minerals and water Store organic nutrients such as sugars (e.g. carrot, sugar beet, turnip). Roots Roots systems may have a central taproot with lateral roots branching off from it (e.g. dandelion). Alternatively, a root system may have no obvious main root, but instead be a fibrous system with many small roots growing from the stem, each of which has its own lateral roots (e.g. grasses). Roots The entire root system anchors a plant in place, but absorption of water and minerals occurs mainly at