Plant organisation - AQAPlant organisation

Plant cells, tissues and organs are adapted to their functions. The stem, root and leaves form an organ system that transports substances into, around and out of a plant.

Part ofBiology (Single Science)Organisation

Plant organisation

The main roles of plant stems and roots are to transport substances around. They have two types of - and . Xylem transports water and minerals. Phloem transports sugars and amino acids dissolved in water.

These are distributed differently in roots and stems. In the root, the xylem forms a central column. It forms a solid support. The phloem is towards the centre, outside the xylem.

In the stem, the transport tissues of the xylem and phloem are grouped into .

Cross section of a plant root and plant stem

Any part of a plant above ground, where it is exposed to light, can photosynthesise. But a plant's leaves are the main organ of photosynthesis.

Plant leaves are adapted for gas exchange and photosynthesis.

Diagram of a plant leaf
FeatureFunction
Large surface areaFor maximum absorption of light; for optimum absorption of carbon dioxide
A thin, flattened blade - though there are exceptionsSo that water and gases have a limited distance to diffuse
Vascular tissue in the midrib and veinsBranches of the xylem, to transport water and minerals to the leaf; branches of the phloem, to transport glucose and other products of photosynthesis to other parts of the plant
Air spaces between cells within the leafFor the diffusion of gases
FeatureLarge surface area
FunctionFor maximum absorption of light; for optimum absorption of carbon dioxide
FeatureA thin, flattened blade - though there are exceptions
FunctionSo that water and gases have a limited distance to diffuse
FeatureVascular tissue in the midrib and veins
FunctionBranches of the xylem, to transport water and minerals to the leaf; branches of the phloem, to transport glucose and other products of photosynthesis to other parts of the plant
FeatureAir spaces between cells within the leaf
FunctionFor the diffusion of gases