Plants

Types of Plants

• Angiosperms: flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed in an ovary (e.g., roses, daisies, sunflowers)
• Gymnosperms: seed-producing plants with naked seeds (e.g., pines, spruces, cycads)
• Bryophytes: non-vascular plants that reproduce by spores (e.g., mosses, liverworts, hornworts)
• Pteridophytes: vascular plants that reproduce by spores (e.g., ferns, horsetails, club mosses)
• Algae: simple, aquatic, non-vascular plants (e.g., seaweeds, kelp)

Plant Life Cycle

1. Seed Germination: seed absorbs water, grows roots and stem
2. Seedling: young plant develops leaves and roots
3. Maturation: plant grows and develops reproductive structures
4. Reproduction: plant produces flowers, fruits, and seeds
5. Senescence: plant ages and eventually dies

Plant Needs

• Light: energy for photosynthesis
• Water: essential for growth and development
• Nutrients: necessary for growth and development (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium)
• Air: necessary for photosynthesis and respiration
• Temperature: optimal range for growth and development
• Soil: provides support, water, and nutrients

Plant Parts

• Roots: absorb water and nutrients from soil
• Stem: supports plant, transports water and nutrients
• Leaves: site of photosynthesis, produce glucose and oxygen
  • Mesophyll: inner leaf tissue where photosynthesis occurs
  • Chloroplasts: organelles containing chlorophyll, site of photosynthesis
• Flowers: reproductive structures, produce seeds and fruits
• Fruits: mature ovary containing seeds, protects and disperses seeds
• Seeds: reproductive structures, contain embryo and nutrients for growth

Types of Plants

• Angiosperms produce seeds enclosed in an ovary, with examples including roses, daisies, and sunflowers.
• Gymnosperms produce seeds with no ovary, with examples including pines, spruces, and cycads.
• Bryophytes reproduce by spores and are non-vascular, with examples including mosses, liverworts, and hornworts.
• Pteridophytes reproduce by spores and are vascular, with examples including ferns, horsetails, and club mosses.
• Algae are simple, aquatic, non-vascular plants, with examples including seaweeds and kelp.

Plant Life Cycle

• Seed germination involves the absorption of water, growth of roots and stem, and the development of leaves.
• The seedling stage is characterized by the development of leaves and roots.
• During maturation, the plant grows and develops reproductive structures.
• Reproduction involves the production of flowers, fruits, and seeds.
• Senescence is the final stage of the plant life cycle, marked by aging and eventual death.

Plant Needs

• Light is essential for photosynthesis, providing energy for growth and development.
• Water is necessary for growth and development, and plays a crucial role in photosynthesis.
• Nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are essential for growth and development.
• Air is necessary for photosynthesis and respiration, and provides oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• Temperature affects plant growth and development, with optimal ranges varying by species.
• Soil provides support, water, and nutrients, and is essential for plant growth.

Plant Parts

• Roots absorb water and nutrients from soil, supporting plant growth.
• The stem supports the plant, transports water and nutrients, and provides structural support.
• Leaves are the site of photosynthesis, producing glucose and oxygen through the process.
• Mesophyll is the inner leaf tissue where photosynthesis occurs.
• Chloroplasts are organelles containing chlorophyll, responsible for photosynthesis.
• Flowers are reproductive structures, producing seeds and fruits.
• Fruits are mature ovaries containing seeds, protecting and dispersing seeds.
• Seeds are reproductive structures, containing embryos and nutrients for growth.

Edible Parts of a Plant

Leaves

• Leaves are the most common edible part of a plant, with examples including lettuce, spinach, kale, and collard greens.
• They can be eaten raw or cooked, and are often used in salads and as a side dish.

Stems

• Stems are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked, with examples including celery, asparagus, and rhubarb.
• They are often used in soups, stews, and salads, and can add texture and flavor to dishes.

Roots

• Roots are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked, with examples including carrots, beets, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.
• They are often used in soups, stews, and as a side dish, and can be roasted or mashed for added flavor.

Tubers

• Tubers are a type of root that is rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber, with examples including potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams.
• They can be eaten baked, mashed, fried, or roasted, and are often used as a side dish.

Fruits

• Fruits are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked, with examples including apples, bananas, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
• They are often eaten as a snack or used in desserts, and can add natural sweetness and flavor to dishes.

Flowers

• Flowers are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked, with examples including broccoli, cauliflower, and artichokes.
• They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and can add flavor and texture to salads and other dishes.

Seeds

• Seeds are edible and can be eaten raw or roasted, with examples including sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds.
• They are rich in protein and healthy fats, and can be used as a snack or added to dishes for added nutrition.

Other Edible Parts

• Other edible parts of plants include buds, shoots, and sap, which can be used in specialty dishes or as a garnish.
• Examples include Brussels sprouts, bamboo shoots, and maple syrup.