Question

What are the main functions of roots, stems, and leaves?

Short answer

The main functions of roots include anchorage, absorption, and storage. Roots anchor the plant to the ground, absorb water and nutrients from the soil, and store food reserves. Stems provide support, transport, and storage. They maintain the plant's upright position, contain vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) for transporting water, nutrients, and sugars, and can store nutrients and water in some plants. Leaves primarily function in photosynthesis, gas exchange, and transpiration. They contain chlorophyll for photosynthesis, have stomata for gas exchange, and regulate water vapor loss through transpiration.

Step-by-step solution

(Roots: Functions)

(Roots are the underground part of a plant that serve several essential functions. Some of the main functions of roots are: 1. Anchorage: They provide support and help to anchor the plant to the ground, ensuring stability and preventing it from falling over. 2. Absorption: Roots absorb water and nutrients (such as minerals) from the soil, which are essential for the growth and metabolic processes of the plant. 3. Storage: Roots can also act as storage organs, storing food reserves (such as carbohydrates) that the plant can later use for energy.

(Stems: Functions)

(Stems are the upright part of a plant that connect the roots to the leaves. The primary functions of stems include: 1. Support: Stems provide structural support for the plant, maintaining its upright position and enabling it to grow towards sunlight, which is necessary for photosynthesis. 2. Transport: Stems contain vascular tissues, xylem and phloem, which help transport water, nutrients, and sugars throughout the plant. The xylem transports water and nutrients from roots to the leaves, while the phloem transports sugars (produced by photosynthesis) from the leaves to the rest of the plant. 3. Storage: In some plants, stems can also store nutrients and water, acting as a reservoir for the plant.

(Leaves: Functions)

(Leaves are the flat, usually green organs of a plant that are primarily responsible for photosynthesis. The main functions of leaves include: 1. Photosynthesis: Leaves contain chlorophyll, a green pigment that captures sunlight and enables the plant to convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose) through the process of photosynthesis. 2. Gas exchange: Leaves have tiny pores called stomata, which allow for the exchange of gases, such as taking in carbon dioxide (used in photosynthesis) and releasing oxygen (a byproduct of photosynthesis). 3. Transpiration: Through the stomata, leaves also regulate the loss of water vapor from the plant, a process known as transpiration. Transpiration helps in the uptake of water and minerals from the roots to the leaves, and cools the plant in hot weather conditions.)