Internode
A section of stem between two nodes.
Phloem
The part of the vascular bundle that conducts organic substances from the leaves to the other parts of the plant.
Leaf
The organ responsible
for photosynthesis,
gas exchange and transpiration.
Stem
It transports
the nutrients absorbed
by the root to the other parts of the plant and holds
the leaves, flowers and fruits.
Xylem
The part of the vascular bundle responsible for the transport of water and minerals.
Node
The leaves and
buds grow out of it.
Tuber
Bulb
Succulent stem
Root hair
Root epidermal cells are involved in the formation of root hairs which transport water and dissolved minerals from the soil to the root.
Root
It anchors the plant to the ground and
ensures the absorption of water and minerals from the soil.
Root cap
The terminal portion of the root, called the root tip, is protected by the root cap. The cells in the root cap secrete mucilage, which reduces the friction between the growing root and the soil.
An insect catching leaf is a modified leaf that traps insects. The bodies of the insects are broken down by digestive enzymes secreted by the leaf and thereby provide the plant with important nutrients, such as nitrogen.
A leaf tendril is a modified leaf typical of climbing plants; it serves as support and attachment.
Leaf tendril
Insect catching leaf
Leaf modifications
The Vegetative Organs of Plants
The vegetative organs of vascular land plants are the root, the stem and the leaf. These organs are vital for the survival and development of plants.
The root has two main functions: it anchors the plant to the ground and ensures the absorption of water and minerals from the soil. Vascular bundles in the stem ensure the flow of liquids between the organs of the plant. The leaf is the organ responsible for photosynthesis, gas exchange and transpiration.
Root modifications
Stem modifications
Carrot
Roots may undergo changes during the adaptation of plants. An example of a modified root is the taproot of carrots, which is a strongly thickened main root responsible for storing nutrients.
The thickened underground part of the stem, as in the potato plant, is called tuber. It serves as storage of nutrients and as a means of asexual reproduction.
The bulb is a modified underground stem serving as storage of nutrients. It is made up of the stem and modified leaves, called bulb scales.
The typical stem modification of cactuses can store a great amount of water.
The Anatomy and Development of Plants
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The Anatomy and Development of Plants
10
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