Structure of a Plant

Keywords

Plant, structure, leaf, stem, flower, fruit, roots, epidermis, palisade mesophyll, spongy mesophyll, cuticle, xylem, phloem, vein, stoma, stomata, guard cell, turgid, flaccid, photosynthesis.

Introduction

We all know what plants are, and they give us immense pleasure when they flower, or when they grow to a size we are happy with. But what are they made up of?

Structure of a Plant

To summarise this, a plant has the following:

• Leaves
• Stem
• Flowers
• Fruit
• Roots

Take a Closer Look

The leaves form a major part of the plant and allow for photosynthesis to occur. This can be read further in my page about photosynthesis. The leaf is also involved in the process of converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, and allowing the transport of nutrients into the other parts of the plant.

The leaf has the following parts:

• Epidermis
• Palisade Mesophyll
• Spongy Mesophyll
• Guard Cells
• Cuticle
• Xylem
• Phloem
• Vein
• Stoma/Stomata

Epidermis

The epidermis is like our skin. In terms of function, it works in the same way as the skin on our body does, by protecting what's inside. I mean, our skin isn't green...

The Mesophylls

The mesophylls work together, and they have slightly different roles. Palisade mesophylls are regimental and lined up perfectly next to each other. They allow the absorption of light for photosynthesis to occur.

The spongy mesophylls are loosely packed to help with gas exchange. They lie on the underneath of the leaf, and work with stoma and guard cells to release oxygen into the atmosphere.

Guard Cells

Guard cells work to allow the process of photosynthesis and enable the removal of waste product. They are situated around the stoma, which opens and closes to allow the waste product through. This is known as being Turgid (swollen), and Flaccid (shrunken).

Cuticle

The cuticle is a thin layer of protection for the epidermis. It is the outermost layer of the leaf and stem. It is made of a polymer that is waxy and its function is to both protect the skin, as well as stop water from evaporating from the plant. Where it protects the skin from dirt and excess water or other molecules, the cuticle layer is semi-permeable.

Xylem and Phloem

The xylem and phloem work in a similar fashion to each other. They both allow transport of nutrients and water, but the phloem allows this to go both up and down, whereas the xylem only allows for single way transport, from the roots up to the plant. The phloem also has a valve system, like the valves in our hearts. The xylem and phloem are considered the transportation or circulatory system of the plant.

Stoma/Stomata

The stomata control gas exchange in the leaf. They open and close to allow release of oxygen, and intake of carbon dioxide. They are situated on the top or bottom of the leaf, and work with the mesophylls. They are surrounded by guard cells.

Vacuole

The vacuole acts much like the same organelle in the human cells, by storing or removing water from the cell. A plant's vacuole also stores cell sap. So, when you see sap on a tree (for example), you will know that it has been removed by the vacuole.

Interesting fact: a plant can be nocturnal. During the day, it will open it's stomata cells to take in gases needed for photosynthesis, whereas at night it will close these cells to preserve water ready for the next day.

Structural Adaptation of a Plant

The structural adaptation of a plant includes the colour of its flowers. This helps it to attract the right kind of insect to pollinate it. Or it could be, so it warns small animals off, so it doesn't get eaten. This then in turn helps with reproduction of the plant.

Other Parts of the Plant

There are also other parts of the plant that I haven't yet mentioned. They include:

• The meristem: like humans, plants have a set of cells that differentiate into specialised cells with a function. But, before they do, they are called meristems. These are like human stem cells.
• The roots: this system of underground fibres looks for food and water. They use gravitropism to move underground and will always be underground. They push through the soils and find nutrients to better help the plant grow. It also supports the plant to stand upright and remain in the ground during inclement weather.

Plant Organs

Plants are structured in a way that they will grow up and down from the baseline of the ground. We know this happens using tropisms. But this is also separated by two distinct organ systems in the plant.

Above ground, the shoot system is present. This is where the photosynthesis happens, and general growth for reproduction. It is also the part of the plant you usually see when looking out the window.

Below ground, the root system is in charge. This is the part of the plant that looks for food: nutrients in the soil, water and so on. There are different types of roots: tap roots grow long and deep into the ground, shallow roots are just below the surface, and general rooting systems that are in the middle.

Each organ system works with each other to help them grow, and use the xylem and phloem to move the nutrients around, along with other uses and processes.