ABSTRACT

A plant's main visible forms are root and shoot systems. The functions of the shoot system include photosynthesis, reproduction, storage, transport, and hormone production. Stem transports water and minerals to the leaves and sugar to the roots. Leaves are often the most conspicuous part of the plant. The functions of leaves include photosynthesis, transpiration, floral induction, food storage, special uses, and reproduction. The plant root system constitutes a major part of the plant's body, both in terms of function and bulk. Root hair cells are outgrowths at the tip of the roots and provide larger surfaces area over which plants absorb water and nutrients. The primary components of vascular tissue are the xylem and phloem, involved in transport of fluids and nutrients internally. The regions, starting at the tip and moving upwards towards the stem, are the root cap, zone of active cell division, zone of cell elongation, and zone of maturation. The flower is composed of four organs: the sepal, petal, stamen, and pistil. The seed contain food, which supplies energy and materials for growth until the plant grows its first leaves above the ground.