Created By: Jill Heuvel

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Created By Jill Heuvel
Functions of Plant Parts

• AgEd 410
• Fall 1999

Modified by Georgia Agricultural Education
Curriculum Office
July, 2002
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Functions of Roots
1. To take in oxygen during respiration.
2. To give off carbon dioxide during
respiration.
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3. To store food in the form of starch (like the
taproot of a carrot).
4. To anchor the plant and keep it in a stable
position.
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5. To absorb and translocate water and nutrients
to the stem via the root hairs.
6. In legumes, such as alfalfa, the roots play
an important role in the nitrogen fixation
process. ( Bacteria live in the root nodules
and work to fix nitrogen for the plant).
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Functions of Leaves
1. Critical for photosynthesis (the process by
which plants produce their food).
2. Aid in the process of transpiration which is
necessary in order for plants to cool themselves.

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3. Leaves can store some food which can later
be transferred to other areas of the plant.
4. Sometimes, leaves can be used in asexual or
vegetative propagation.
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Functions of Stems
1. Translocate nutrients from the roots to the
leaves in the vessels of the xylem and phloem.
2. Support the leaves of the plant as well as
the fruit and flowers.
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3. In some plants, stems function as a source
of food storage for the plant.
Tuber (Irish Potato)
Rhizome (Asparagus)
Bulb (Tulip)
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4. Primary plant growth occurs in the tip of the
stem (the terminal bud).
5. Stems can often be used for vegetative
propagation.
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Functions of Fruit
1. Protect the seeds inside the ripened ovule
(fruit).
2. Provide nutrients to the soil and to a newly
germinated seedling.
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3. Aid in the dissemination/spreading of seed by
providing food for animals.
Animals eat the fruit and seeds. After the
fruit is digested, the seeds pass out in the
animals feces at another location.
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4. Some plants have dry, dehiscent fruits which
split open to disseminate seeds.
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Functions of Flowers
1. Critical for plant reproduction and the
continuance of the species.
2. Pollination of the flower instigates
fertilization of the ovules.
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3. The colorful and/or fragrant nature of the
flower attracts insects and birds that aid in the
pollination process.
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4. The flower can also serve as an animal trap.
Once the insect is trapped, it can be digested by
the plant for food.
(Venus Fly Trap)
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THE END