Chapter # 1 Plant Systems
Define the following:
a) Roots:
Roots are the underground parts of the plants forming a system specialized for absorption of water and
minerals from the soil.
b) Primary roots:
The initial root which grows from the radicle of the embryo is called primary root or taproot.
For example: carrot
c) Root cap:
Rcot tip is covered by hard and protective structure called root cap.
d) Root hairs:
Root hairs are thread like outgrowths of epidermal cells which increase the surface area for absorption
of water.
e) Fibrous roots:
The roots that are thread like, spread in soil but not growing deep. Such roots are known as
fibrous roots.
For example:
Some plants, like grasses and strawberry have fibrous roots.
Answer these questions:
1. Explain the functions of the following parts in plants:
a) Stem:
Stem is usually the aerial part of the plant. It provides support to its branches, leaf, flowers and fruits
etc.
b) parenchyma:
Parenchyma is the type of permanent tissue forming major part of ground tissue in plants. The main
function of parenchyma is to store and assimilate food.
c) stomata:
A large number of stomata in lower epidermis of the leaf help in absorption of carbon dioxide and
release of surplus oxygen in the environment.
2. In many plants, leaves are held above the ground by the stem. Suggest a reason for this.
The stem is a plant's main support above the ground. It holds the leaves so they can get light for
photosynthesis and the flowers to attract pollinators (i.e. insects)
3. Write down the role of xylem and phloem in the transport of water and food.
Role of xylem and phloem:
Role of xylem: Xylem conducts water and dissolved minerals absorbed from roots to leaves through
stem.
Role of Phloem: Phloem transport Food from leaves to roots and other parts of the plant.
4. Draw and Labeled diagram to show the transportation of materials in plants.
5. Define osmosis and diffusion.
Osmosis:
Osmosis is a process of moving solvent particles across a semipermeable membrane from the solvent's
higher concentration to the solvent's lower concentration.
Diffusion:
Diffusion is the process of moving particles from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower
concentration.
6. Differentiate between osmosis and diffusion.
Osmosis Diffusion
Requires a semipermeable membrane. Does not requires a semipermeable membrane.
Require water for the movement of particles. Does not require water for the movement of
particles.
Only the solvent molecules can diffuse. Both the molecules of solute and solvent can
diffuse.
Osmosis requires liquid medium. Diffusion occurs in liquids, gases and even solids.
7. Explain in detail the external structure of leaf.
Leaf:
Leaf is the broad flattened structure of the plant containing the green pigment called chlorophyll which
helps the plant to perform photosynthesis leaves are the organs which are well exposed to light and well
adapted for preparation of food during photosynthesis.
External structure of leaf:
Lamina and petiole are the major parts of leaf.
Petiole:
A leaf is provided with the stalk called petiole.
Lamina or blade:
Its flat green part is called blade or lamina which has many veins.
Mid rib:
The middle strong vein is called mid rib.
8. What is the structure and function of mesophyll cells present in a leaf.?
Types of mesophyll cells:
There are two types of mesophyll cells in a leaf:
Palisade mesophyll cells:
Palisade mesophyll cells are elongated.
Spongy mesophyll cells:
Spongy mesophyll cells are irregularly shaped having air spaces among them.
Function:
Their function is to prepare food.
