Plants are one of the most important living organisms on earth. They have huge benefits for both humans and animals. A plant is made up of numerous parts. Distinct parts serve different purposes. The shoot system refers to the portion of the plant that protrudes above ground level, whereas the root system refers to the portion buried beneath the soil.
The study of plant organ tissue and cellular structure is known as plant anatomy. Cells serve as the fundamental building block of plants. Cells are organised into tissues, which are then organised into organs. Plant organs differ from one another in terms of their internal structure. The monocots and dicots are also observed to have diverse anatomical structures within angiosperms. Internal structures also exhibit environmental adaptations.
All vascular plants have important structures called roots. A root system is the collective unit of a plant’s roots. Most vascular plants have two types of roots: primary roots that develop downward and secondary roots that branch out to the sides.
A taproot’s main central root is surrounded by a network of smaller, lateral roots known as root hairs. The taproot might penetrate as many as 60 metres (almost 200 feet) underneath the ground surface. It can access extremely deep water sources and store a large amount of food to assist the plant in withstanding drought and other environmental conditions. Additionally, the plant’s taproot firmly secures it in the soil. Examples of taproot systems include mustard, beetroot, carrot, china rose, parsley, china rose, and dicotyledons.
On the other hand, fibrous roots are branched, bushy roots that originate from the stem and have thin, moderately branched roots. Though fibrous roots bind the plant less firmly, the large number of threadlike roots improves the surface area for water absorption and minerals. The fibrous root system is present in many plants, including monocotyledons, rice, maize, wheat, marigolds, and bananas.
With almost 2,000 000 species, angiosperms are the most varied group of plants. Herbs, shrubs, and trees that reproduce sexually through seeds fall under this category. Angiosperms can be classified as monocot or dicot plants, depending on how many cotyledons are present in the seed. The plants that grow from monocotyledonous seeds and those that grow from dicotyledonous seeds differ significantly from one another.
Stems are the parts of vascular plants that hold plants upright so they may receive the necessary sunshine and air. The stems can also produce cones, flowers, leaves, and secondary stalks. Node points are where secondary stems grow. A meristem tissue bud at each node can divide and specialise in developing a specific structure.
Plants cannot survive in the air high above the ground without a connection between the roots and the leaves. Transporting food from leaves to the rest of the plant and water and minerals from roots to leaves are two other essential functions performed by stems. Stems of many plants can also serve as winter or summer-time food or water reserves.
The dicotyledonous stem is generally solid. The following parts make up the transverse section of a typical young dicotyledonous stem:
The monocot stem has a sclerenchymatous hypodermis, scattered vascular bundles encased in sclerenchymatous bundle sheaths, and a large, visible parenchymatous ground tissue. Vascular bundles are joined and closed. Vascular bundles at the periphery are usually smaller than those in the centre. Water-containing cavities can be found inside the vascular bundles, but the phloem parenchyma is absent.
Plant leaves produce nourishment for plant and animal life, which helps to sustain life on earth. In plants, photosynthesis takes place on the leaf. Producing food in the form of sugars through photosynthesis involves utilising the energy from sunshine.
Plants rely on their leaves to function as leading food chains’ primary producers. In addition to producing food, leaves also contribute significantly to the carbon and oxygen cycle in the environment by producing oxygen during photosynthesis. In addition to stems and flowers, leaves are a part of the plant’s shoot system.
Leaves can have various shapes and sizes. The blade, petiole, and stipules are the three primary parts of the leaves of flowering plants (angiosperms). The epidermis, the mesophyll, and the vascular tissue are the three primary tissues of leaves. Layers of cells make up each form of tissue.
Some plants have additional, highly specialised functions in addition to photosynthesis. Examples include plants that can “eat” insects and are carnivorous. Some creatures, such as the Indian Leafwing Butterfly, imitate leaves to hide from predators.
Arrowhead plant, also known as syngonium or nephthytis, is a popular houseplant known for its attractive arrow-shaped leaves. In this article, we’ll explore the anatomy and functions of the roots and stems that allow this plant to thrive.
Anatomy of Arrowhead Plant Roots
The roots of arrowhead plants are adventitious, meaning they sprout directly from the stem rather than developing from the radicle (the embryonic root). They are thin, fibrous roots that anchor the plant and absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
The outermost layer of the roots is the epidermis, which protects the root. Underneath is the cortex, which stores starch and gives the roots their flexibility. At the center is the vascular tissue comprised of xylem and phloem. Xylem transports water and minerals while phloem transports sugars and nutrients.
Arrowhead plants also have small lateral roots covered in root hairs to increase the surface area for absorbing moisture and minerals These root hairs are a key feature, as they are where most water absorption takes place.
Structure of Arrowhead Plant Stems
Arrowhead plant stems are smooth, upright, and climb or trail as the plant matures. As a monocot, arrowhead plants have scattered vascular bundles consisting of xylem and phloem within the stem
The epidermis forms the outermost layer, providing protection from the environment. Underneath is ground tissue called parenchyma, which stores nutrients. Vascular bundles are scattered throughout this ground tissue to transport water, minerals, and nutrients.
The stems also contain bundles of sclerenchyma tissue, which gives them strength and structure. Aerenchyma tissue gives buoyancy to the stems, allowing them to float on water.
Functions of Roots and Stems
The roots and stems of arrowhead plants each serve important functional roles:
Roots
- Anchor the plant in soil or water
- Absorb water and minerals
- Store food and nutrients
Stems
- Support the structure of the plant
- Transport water, minerals, sugars, and nutrients
- Promote vegetative growth and climbing habit
Key Takeaways:
- Arrowhead plant roots are adventitious and absorb moisture through fine root hairs
- Stems contain vascular bundles for transport as well as sclerenchyma and aerenchyma tissue
- Roots anchor the plant and absorb nutrients while stems provide support and transport
Understanding the unique structures and functions of arrowhead plant roots and stems provides insight into the needs of this popular houseplant. Proper care starts with supplying moisture to the roots and providing climbing support structures for the stems. With the right conditions, arrowhead plants can thrive indoors for many years.
Dorsiventral or Dicotyledonous Leaf
- The epidermis, mesophyll, and vascular system can be seen in the vertical section through the lamina of a dorsiventral leaf.
- A noticeable cuticle on the epidermis covers the leaf’s upper (adaxial epidermis) and lower (abaxial epidermis) surfaces.
- The term “mesophyll” refers to the tissue that lies between the top and lower epidermis. Parenchyma makes up the chloroplast-containing mesophyll, which performs photosynthesis.
- Vascular bundles, visible in the veins and the midrib, are part of the vascular system. The size of the veins affects the size of the vascular bundles.
- Dicot leaves have reticulate venation, which has veins of varying thicknesses. A layer of densely packed bundle sheath cells encircles the vascular bundles.
Isobilateral or Monocotyledonous Leaf
In many ways, the anatomy of the isobilateral leaf resembles that of the dorsiventral leaf. It displays the following characteristic variations:
- Both the adaxial and abaxial epidermis have stomata.
- The mesophyll lacks a defined palisade and spongy parenchyma.
- There are bulliform cells, which are a development of adaxial epidermal cells and veins.
- Large, empty cells called bulliform cells cause leaves to curl to prevent excessive water loss.
In some plant species, such as peas, leaves are modified to serve additional purposes. For example, in cacti, leaves are transformed into spines for defence.
Related Links:
Plant Anatomy and Structure
FAQ
What is the anatomy of plant stem and root?
What are the structures and functions of roots and stems?
What is the function of the leaves roots and stems?
What is the root Arrowhead Plant?
Where do Arrowhead plants grow?
They are attractive plants native to the tropical rainforests in Central and South America, where they thrive in natural humidity. Arrowhead plants (Syngonium podophyllum) are generally easy to care for. They get their name from their arrowhead-shaped leaves, which most often come in various shades of green.
Does an arrowhead flower?
The arrowhead rarely flowers, but when it does, it can produce a green/white flower that develops into brown or red berries. This is most commonly seen when the arrowhead is grown in nature and when it has matured. It does not bloom very often as a house plant. If you prune your arrowhead plant, it definitely will not flower.
What does an arrowhead plant look like?
They are known for their arrowhead-shaped leaves, from which they get their name. As arrowhead plants mature, their leaves can change shape from their classic arrowhead shape to 3-5 “fingered” sections.They also begin to vine as they mature. These vines can be trained on a pole or trellis.
How do Arrowhead plants get their name?
They get their name from their arrowhead-shaped leaves, which most often come in various shades of green. Though there are also purple, pink, silver varieties, to name just a few. Arrowhead plants love humid temperatures, ideally between 60-75 degrees F, and they prefer medium sunlight.