UNIT 1. PARTS AND FUNCTIONS OF A PLANT
THE PLANT A plant is a living organism. It is made up of different parts, each or which has a particular purpose, or specialized function. If one part of the plant is not functioning properly the whole plant will suffer. But we may cut flowers off the plant or prune the roots or the branches. Such damage is only temporary and so the plant will continue to grow. Plants have two Organ Systems : the shoot system and the root system. 1. The root system is below ground. This system includes roots, tubers (an enlarged, fleshy, underground stem with buds capable of producing new plants) and rhizomes (a horizontal stem that is usually underground and roots grow from it.) 2. The shoot system is above ground. This system includes these organs: stems, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds. THE ROOT The root is usually below the ground. It has two main functions: 1.-It absorbs the water and minerals from the soil and sometimes stores food. 2.-It holds or ancho