Complex Plants: Organisation and Structure

Year 11 Biology Understanding plant anatomy and organisation From cells to organs

What Makes a Plant 'Complex'?

Think about the differences between moss and a rose bush What structures do you notice? How are they organised differently?

Levels of Organisation in Plants

Cells - basic building blocks Tissues - groups of similar cells Organs - tissues working together Organ systems - coordinated organs

Plant Cell Specialisation

Different cells have different jobs Structure matches function Examples: guard cells, root hair cells, xylem vessels

Plant Tissues: Form and Function

{"left":"Dermal tissue - protective outer layer\nVascular tissue - transport system\nGround tissue - photosynthesis and storage","right":"Covers and protects plant surfaces\nMoves water, nutrients, and sugars\nFills spaces, provides support"}

Tissue Detective Activity

Look at the stem cross-section image Identify the three tissue types Predict what happens if each tissue is damaged Discuss with a partner

Root System Organisation

Primary functions: absorption and anchorage Root cap protects growing tip Zone of elongation for growth Root hairs increase surface area

Stem System: Support and Transport

Structural support for the plant Vascular bundles transport materials Nodes and internodes organise growth Apical meristem enables upward growth

Leaf Structure and Function

Why Are Leaves Flat and Thin?

Consider what leaves need to do Think about light capture What about gas exchange? How does shape help function?

Vascular System: The Plant Highway

Xylem transports water and minerals upward Phloem transports sugars throughout plant Continuous system from roots to leaves Enables plants to grow tall and complex

Comparing Xylem and Phloem

{"left":"Dead cells at maturity\nThick, lignified walls\nTransports water and minerals\nOne-way flow upward","right":"Living cells\nThin, flexible walls\nTransports sugars and nutrients\nTwo-way flow as needed"}