Constructing a Plant Lab

Power Point for Pre-lab

What is the function of a root, stem, and leaf in a

plant?

How are roots, stems, and leaves adapted for the plant’s environment?

Roots: Function

A. Anchor plant in soilB. Absorb water and

mineralsC. Store carbohydrates

or water

Examples of storage roots:

Carrots, turnips, and sweet potatoes.

Roots: Types of Roots

•Taproot: The primary root becomes the largest root.

– What is the advantage of having a tap root?

•Fibrous Root: The primary root develops into numerous small roots and branches out.

– What is the advantage of having a fibrous root?

Roots: Types of Roots Continued

•Adventitious Roots - specialized roots that grow from stems and leaves. •Ex: prop roots of corn

–What is the advantage of having adventitious roots?

Stem: Function

A. Transportation – transport water and nutrients.

–Xylem - transports water and nutrients from roots to leaves (upwards)–Phloem - conducts products of photosynthesis throughout the plant

B. Storage – store water and nutrients

C. Support – leaves

Stems: Xylem & Phloem

Leaves: FunctionA. Photosynthesis: Leaves use light

energy, carbon dioxide and water to make carbohydrates.

B. Gas & Water Exchange:

Plants have stomata that open or close for gas and water exchange with the environment.

Stomata

Leaves: Adaptations

Simple Leaf

Compound Leaf

Thick Cuticle

Thin Cuticle

Pine Needles

Diversity of Plants

How will youDesign your

Plant?

What role doesthe environment

have on plant adaptations?

1. Ginger2. Willow bark3. Peppermint4. Aspen bark5. Cayenne pepper6. Cedar tree7. Aloe8. Dandelion9. Oregano10. Garlic

A. Treatment for heart attack and stroke B. Soothes an uneasy stomachC. Treats acne, psoriasis and can be used as a

diuretic. Also tasty in salads!D. Provides salicylic acid used to make

aspirin E. Lowers cholesterol, reduces blood clots,

improves the immune system and may prevent cancer

F. Used by Native Americans to fight asthma and hepatitis

G. Soothes blisters and sunburn H. Used to treat urinary tract infections,

diarrhea and arthritis, and can be used as sun block.

I. Great for motion sicknessJ. Treats cough and chest congestion

Medicinal Uses Of Plants