Angiosperms (flowering plants) are the largest Phylum in the plant kingdom Plantae. (Note that the Phylum Angiospermophyta may also be called Anthophyta or Magnoliophyta in different classification systems.)
These plants have true roots, stems, leaves, and flowers. The roots grow into the soil to anchor the plant in place and take up water and nutrients. The leaves are above ground and act as the main organs for photosynthesis. Stems provide above ground support for the plant and operate as conduits to move nutrients and water throughout the plant. Flowers contain the male and female reproductive organs of the plant.
Plants develop specialized roots, stems, leaves, and flowers to make them better adapted to their environment. People exploit many of these modifications as vegetables. An example of this is the taproot of carrots. The carrot plant stores sugars in the taproot to supply energy for the formation of flowers in later development. People dig up and eat the taproots while the sugar content is still high. Complete the following:
1) Describe the anatomy (structure) and physiology (function) of one of your favorite plants. Is the structure of your plant a modification from the standard root, stem, leaf, or flower?
2) Explain how this structure differs from the standard root, stem, leaf, or flower.
3) Compare the plant that you have chosen, its structure, and its function with 1 or more of your classmates' choices.