Page 50 - Volt Elevate The World Around Us Book 4

Functions of Roots

Let’s learn the various functions of roots.

y Roots hold the plant tightly in the ground so that it does not get blown away by
strong winds.

y Roots keep the soil in place and prevent it from washing away during heavy rain.

y Roots take in water and minerals from the soil for the plant to use them to make food.

y Taproots like carrot and radish store food inside them. These are called storage roots.

y Banyan tree have aerial roots that grow from their branches. They hang in the air,

grow straight down and later enter the ground to become underground roots.

y Mangroves are plants that grow in wet, marshy places. Their roots grow above the
ground to take in air needed by the plant. These are called breathing roots.

The Shoot System

Let’s learn about different parts of the shoot system and their functions.

Stem

It is the main part of the shoot that bears branches, leaves, flowers, buds and fruits.

Functions of Stem

Let’s learn the various functions of roots.

y Stem gives support to the plant by holding Smart Stack
it straight and upright. Sugar cane, potatoes, ginger and onions

y Stem carries water from the roots to various store food in their stem. Desert plants
parts of the plant. like cacti store water in their stem.

y Stem carries food made by the leaves to Remember
different parts of the plant.

y Stem stores food and water in some plants.

Leaf

The most important part of a plant is the leaf as it prepares food for the whole plant
using air, water and sunlight. Thus, it is called the food factory or kitchen of a green plant.

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