The Structure of Higher Plants

Higher plants have four parts: leaves, stems, roots, and flowers.

Leaves make food for the plant.

Cactus stickers protect the plant but do not make the food.

Leaves can be different shapes and sizes.

There are only 2 ways how the leaves may grow on the stem.

The leaf can grow by itself,

or the leaves can grow in cluster.

There are 2 types of leaves: simple and compound.

Leaves have 3 layers.

The top and the bottom layer are called epidermis.

There are openings or stomata on the bottom epidermis.

The stomata have guard cells. They open and close the stomata.

Air enters the leaf through the stomata.

The stomata open in the morning and close at night.

The middle layer makes food for the plant.

The middle layer gives green color for the leaf.

Stems conduct water from the roots to the leaves, and food from the leaves to the roots.

A stem provides support for the leaves.

Most stems have conducting tubes to carry water and food.

Stems have buds and leaves.

New stems and leaves grow from the buds.

All flowering plants are divided into 2 groups: one-seed-leaf plant, and two-seed-leaf plant.

Roots hold the plant on its place.

Roots provide the plant with water and minerals.

Plants make food from the minerals.

The taproot is the main root.

The taproot holds the plant on its place and gets water.

Flowers produce seeds.

Flowers have beautiful petals.

Different colors of petals attract the bees.

Flowers have pollen.

Pollen is yellow dusty substance and helps to fertilize new seeds.