General Biology 2: Plant Organ Systems Quiz

Plant Organ Systems and Their Functions

• Plant organ systems consist of similar cells working together to form a tissue, and different types of tissues work together to perform a unique function, forming an organ; organs working together form organ systems.

Vascular Plants

• Vascular plants have two distinct organ systems: a shoot system and a root system.

Shoot System

• The shoot system grows above ground, where it absorbs light needed for photosynthesis.
• It consists of reproductive and vegetative (non-reproductive) parts of plants, including stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits.
• Stems serve as conduits for water, minerals, and sugars, providing support to the plant and connecting roots to leaves.
• Stem varieties include organdy, woody, and succulent stems.

Stem Characteristics

• Stems have nodes (points of attachment for leaves and flowers) and internodes (regions between nodes).
• The tip of the shoot contains the apical meristem within the apical bud.
• Axillary buds are found between the base of a leaf and the stem, where they can give rise to a branch or flower.

Flowers

• Flowers are organs that allow plants to reproduce sexually and asexually.
• A complete flower has four basic parts: stamen, pistil, sepals, and petals.
• Flowers are connected to the stem through a specialized stem called a pedicel.

Fruits

• Fruits are the outcomes of reproduction in angiosperms.
• Fruits have two primary functions: seed protection and seed dispersal.
• Fruits are a source of nutrients and carbohydrates, making them a part of the diet of animals, which helps disperse seeds.

Fruit Classifications

• Fruits are classified into three major groups: simple fruits, aggregate fruits, and composite fruits.
• Simple fruits develop from a single matured ovary in a single flower (e.g., apple, banana).
• Aggregate fruits develop from a number of matured ovaries formed in a single flower (e.g., blackberry, raspberry).
• Composite fruits develop from a complete inflorescence (e.g., pineapple).

Root System

• The root system grows underground, anchoring the plant to the soil.
• Roots have three major functions: anchoring the plant, absorbing water and minerals, and transporting them upwards and storing products of photosynthesis.

Types of Root Systems

• Taproot systems have a prominent, thick primary root that penetrates deep into the soil, with secondary roots growing to the sides.
• Fibrous root systems have many small, branching roots with no primary root, increasing the surface area for absorption.

Root Structures

• Root structures are evolutionarily adapted for specific purposes, such as:
  • Bulbous roots for starch storage
  • Aerial roots and prop roots for additional support
  • Tap roots for sugar/starch storage (e.g., carrots, turnips, beets)