Parts & Functions of Plant Parts – JSS1 Agricultural Science Lesson Note (First Term)

A plant is made up of many parts. The three main parts are the roots, the stem and the leaves. The roots absorb water and minerals and anchor the plant. The stem supports the plant and carries water and minerals to the leaves. The leaves make food for the plant by photosynthesis.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Name the three main parts of a plant.
2. State the function of the roots, the stem and the leaves.
3. Define aquatic plants and give examples.
4. Define terrestrial plants.

What are the parts of a plant and what do they do?

Each part of a plant has a set of jobs to do to keep the plant healthy.

Parts of a plant

What are the forms of plants?

Aquatic plants

Aquatic plants are plants that have adapted to living in aquatic environments (saltwater or freshwater). They are also called hydrophytes or macrophytes. These plants need special adaptations for living submerged in water or at the water’s surface.

The principal factor controlling the distribution of aquatic plants is the depth and duration of flooding. Other factors may also control their distribution, abundance and growth form, including nutrients, disturbance from waves, grazing and salinity.

One of the largest aquatic plants in the world is the Amazon water lily, and one of the smallest is the minute duckweed. Many small aquatic animals use plants like duckweed for a home or for protection from predators, but areas with more vegetation are likely to have more predators. Familiar examples of aquatic plants include floating hearts, water lilies, lotus and water hyacinths.

Terrestrial plants

Terrestrial plants are plants that grow on, in or from land.

Evaluation

1. Name the three main parts of a plant.
2. State two functions of the roots.
3. What is the function of the stem?
4. What is photosynthesis, and which part of the plant carries it out?
5. What are aquatic plants? Give two examples.

Assignment

1. Draw a plant and label the roots, the stem and the leaves.
2. Write one function beside each part you labelled.
3. Write the meaning of terrestrial plants and aquatic plants.