Learn Plant Parts and Their Roles
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What you will learn
- 1Name the five main parts of a plant — root, stem, leaf, flower, and seed
- 2Describe the role each plant part plays
- 3Explain what photosynthesis means in simple words
Mini Lesson
Plants can't walk, talk, or eat at a table — but every single part of a plant has an important job that keeps it alive and growing!
Roots — the anchor and drinker
- Roots grow underground and hold the plant firmly in the soil.
- They soak up water and nutrients from the soil and send them up the plant.
- Example: Carrots and beets are roots we can eat.
Stem — the highway
- The stem supports the plant and holds it upright.
- It carries water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves and flowers — like a straw.
Leaves — the food factory
- Leaves capture sunlight and use it — along with water and air — to make food for the plant.
- This process is called photosynthesis.
Flower and Seed
- The colorful petals of the flower attract insects that help the plant reproduce.
- The seed is made inside the flower, and a fruit often grows around it; the seed can grow into a brand-new plant.
Words to know
Root
The underground part of a plant that absorbs water and nutrients
e.g. A carrot is a root.
Stem
The part of a plant that supports it and carries water up
e.g. The green stem of a sunflower holds the head high.
Leaf
The part of a plant that makes food using sunlight
e.g. The wide leaves of a maple tree soak up light.
Flower
The colorful part that attracts insects and makes seeds
e.g. A rose is a flower.
Seed
A small part made by a flower that can grow into a new plant
e.g. An apple seed can grow into an apple tree.
Photosynthesis
The process leaves use to make food from sunlight, water, and air
e.g. Leaves make food for the plant by photosynthesis.
Ask yourself: Which part drinks water? Which part makes food? Which part makes new plants?
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