Plants in the Surroundings PDF

# Plants in the Surroundings ## Parts of a Plant - Structure and Function - Plants are made up of similar parts: - **Root System:** The part that grows underground, anchoring the plant and absorbing water and nutrients. - **Shoot System:** The part that grows above ground. Contains the stem,...

# Plants in the Surroundings ## Parts of a Plant - Structure and Function - Plants are made up of similar parts: - **Root System:** The part that grows underground, anchoring the plant and absorbing water and nutrients. - **Shoot System:** The part that grows above ground. Contains the stem, branches, leaves, fruits, and flowers. ### Root System - **Taproot System:** A single, large root that grows straight down, with smaller roots branching out. - Examples: Radish, carrot, mustard, bean. - **Fibrous Root System:** A bunch of small, branching roots that grow outward from the plant. - Examples: Grass, rice, wheat, onion. #### Functions of Roots: - Anchors or fixes the plant in the soil. - Absorbs water and nutrients from the soil. - Some roots store food (examples: beetroot, carrot, radish, turnip) ### Shoot System - **Stem:** The main part of the shoot system. It grows above ground and supports the leaves, flowers, and fruits. - Stems can be soft or hard, weak or strong. - **Trees:** Have thick, hard, and strong stems called trunks. - **Shrubs:** Have several stems growing near the ground. - **Herbs:** Have soft and tender stems. - **Climbers:** Have weak stems that need support to grow upright. - **Creepers:** Have very weak stems that creep along the ground. #### Functions of Stems: - Provides support for the plant. - Allows leaves to reach sunlight. - Carries food from leaves to the rest of the plant. - Carries water and nutrients from roots to leaves. - Some stems store food (examples: potato, ginger, sugar cane) ## Leaves - Leaves are of different shapes and sizes. - Examples: - Banana plants have big leaves. - Tulsi plants have small leaves. - Peepal trees have heart-shaped leaves. - Lotus plants have round leaves. - Some leaves have toothed edges (example: rose, hibiscus) ### Structure of a Leaf - **Leaf blade:** The flat part of the leaf. - **Midrib:** The main vein. - **Veins:** Thin tubes branching from the midrib. Carry water and minerals. - **Petiole:** The stem that connects the leaf to the main stem or branch. - **Tip:** The pointed end of the leaf. - **Stomata:** Tiny holes on the underside of the leaf. Allow air to enter and water to exit. #### Functions of Leaves: - **Food Factory:** Leaves are the sites of photosynthesis. Using chlorophyll, they convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into food. - **Oxygen Production:** Leaves release oxygen during photosynthesis. ## Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds - Flowers are the most beautiful part of the plant. - **Functions:** - Attract pollinators. - Help in reproduction. - Store food (examples: broccoli, cauliflower) - **Fruits:** Fruits develop from flowers and contain seeds. - **Seeds:** Each seed contains a baby plant (embryo) and a food store (cotyledons). ### Structure of a Seed: - **Seed coat:** The outer covering that protects the seed. - **Cotyledons:** Food store for the baby plant. ### Germination: - The process of a seed growing into a new plant. Requires water, air, and warmth. - When a seed germinates, the plant root emerges first, followed by the shoot. ### Kinds of Seeds: - **Monocots:** Have one cotyledon. Store food in other parts of the seed instead of the cotyledon. (examples: maize, rice, grass) - **Dicots:** Have two cotyledons. Store food in the cotyledons. (examples: pea, bean, grain) ## Care of Plants - **Importance:** Plants are essential for all living beings. They provide food, oxygen, medicine, timber, rubber, and other vital necessities. - **Factors for Plant Growth:** - **Watering:** Plants need regular watering for germination, growth, and health. - **Protection from Heat and Cold:** Extreme temperatures can damage plants. - **Sunlight:** Plants need sunlight for photosynthesis. - **Manure:** Plants need nutrients from soil. Manure provides these nutrients. ## Protection Against Insects and Diseases - **Insects and Diseases:** Insects and diseases can harm plants. - **Control:** Agricultural scientists advise using insecticides or pesticides to control pests. ## Know Your Scientist – Jagadish Chandra Bose - Jagadish Chandra Bose (1858-1937) was a pioneer in plant physiology. He was the first person to prove that plants feel pain and affection. He invented the crescograph, an instrument that measures plant growth. ## Keywords: - **Root system:** The part of the plant that grows below the ground. - **Shoot system:** The part of the plant that grows above the ground. - **Taproot:** A large, thick root that grows straight down from a plant and has small roots branching out of it. - **Fibrous root:** Composed of a bunch of small, branching roots that grow outward from the plant. - **Scorches:** Burns. - **Manure:** Plant and animal wastes that are used as sources of plant nutrients.