The different parts of a plant are the roots, stem, leaves, flowers and fruits.The roots of a plant are mostly seen underground and look brown in colour.The tiny thread-like structures over the roots are the root hair. The tip of the root is called the root cap.
Roots are of two types - tap root and fibrous roots.
Tap root |
Fibrous root |
Some plants have a primary root that grows more or less straight down into the soil, and is tapered towards the end. This main root is called the tap root.There are many smaller roots that branch out from the tap root, called lateral roots.Examples of plants with tap roots are hibiscus, carrot, turnip and sunflower.
Hibiscus |
Carrot |
Turnip |
Some plants have many lateral roots that start from the base of the stem.These are called fibrous roots.
Examples of plants with fibrous roots are banana, grass and onion.
Examples of plants with fibrous roots are banana, grass and onion.
Banana |
Onion |
Grass |
The roots hold the plant firmly in the soil, thereby serving as an anchor to the plant.One of the main functions of the roots is to absorb water and nutrients from the soil for the growthof the plant. Sometimes they also store sugars and carbohydrates.
The stem holds the leaves, flowers and fruits in a plant.The vascular tissue inside the stem helps to transport water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves, and food from the leaves to the roots.
Plants release excess water in the form of water vapour through minute openings in the leaves,called the stomata. This process is known as transpiration.
The different parts of a flower include sepals, petals, stamen and pistil. The green leaf-like parts surrounding the bud are called the sepals.The brightly coloured parts of a flower are called the petals.
The male and female parts of a flower are involved in the formation of fruit in a process called fertilisation.