Plant Root System & Shoot System

Plants have two major organ systems; the root system and the shoot system. These two systems consist of several structures working together in order to absorb nutrients from the environment, to perform photosynthesis and/or to reproduce. Plant structure and function are closely related, as you will see.

The roots are have three major functions: anchoring the plant to the soil, absorbing water and minerals and transporting them upwards to the rest of the plant, and storing the products of photosynthesis. Some types of roots can also perform gas exchange, and a few types of plants have adventitious roots which are at least partially above ground. There are two major types of roots; tap roots and fibrous roots. Tap roots have one major root that grows straight down sometimes with a few smaller branches protruding off of it. Fibrous roots have a network of smaller roots that protrude outwards, usually at a much shallower level.

The shoot system consists of stems, leaves, fruits and flowers (basically any structure that is not a root!) Stems are part of the shoot system of the plant; they provide support and also connect the leaves (where photosynthesis occurs) with the roots (where some of the products are stored). Leaves are the major site of photosynthesis; their cells contain chloroplasts which harness energy from sunlight to produce sugars. Flowers and/or fruits are related organs that are both part of the plant’s reproductive system.

Leaf Structure Video:
   • Leaf Structure and Function  

C3 vs C4 vs CAM Plant Video:
   • C3, C4 and CAM Plant Photosynthesis &...  

Photosynthesis Video:
   • Photosynthesis: The Light Reactions a...  

Chapters:
0:00-0:20 Introduction
0:20-1:12 Levels of organization
1:13-2:14 Non vascular vs vascular plants
2:14-2:36 Overview of plant organ systems
2:36-3:06 Root system functions
3:06-4:00 Parts of the root system
4:00-4:49 Tap roots
4:49-5:06 Fibrous roots
5:06-5:44 Parts of the shoot system, stem
5:44-6:28 Leaves
6:28-8:00 Fruits & Flowers as related structures



Useful Sources:
1) https://organismalbio.biosci.gatech.e...
2) https://openstax.org/books/biology-2e....

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[BOGObiology]. (2022, November 28). Plant Root System & Shoot System. [Video File]. Retrieved from    • Plant Root System & Shoot System