Plant Structure and Importance

Importance of Plants

• Plants provide food for humans and other animals and produce oxygen through converting carbon dioxide into oxygen.
• There are over 80,000 species of edible plants on Earth.

Roots

• Roots are the bottom part of the plant, buried in soil, holding the plant in place, and supporting the stem.
• Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil for the plant's growth and health.
• There are two types of roots: tap root (main root) and lateral roots (anchoring the plant).
• Roots store food for the plant to use in the future.
• Some edible roots include carrots and beets.

Stem

• The stem is the main part of the plant, supporting the weight of leaves, flowers, or fruit.
• Stems carry water and nutrients from roots to the rest of the plant.
• Stems can be bendable (like flower stems) or woody (like tree stems/trunks).
• Main stems may have smaller stems (branches) growing off of them.
• Some edible stems include asparagus.

Leaves

• Leaves make food for plants through photosynthesis, requiring sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
• During photosynthesis, plants produce oxygen as a byproduct.
• Leaves can also be a food source, such as lettuce and spinach.

Flowers or Fruit

• Flowers grow on stems, attracting insects or animals with beauty and smell, and providing nectar in return.
• Flowers facilitate pollination, allowing plants to produce seeds.
• Some flowers turn into fruit, such as apples or oranges, providing food for humans and animals.
• Seeds can travel through wind, water, or animals, allowing plants to reproduce.