Lab 2b – General Plant Anatomy and Structure – Leaves and Roots

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the parts of a leaf and distinguish between compound and simple leaves.
2. Identify the anatomy and morphology (cells, tissues, and tissue systems) of a given plant leaf. Emphasis on flowering plants.
3. Identify the anatomy and morphology (cells, tissues, and tissue systems) of a given plant root. Also, emphasis on flowering plants.
4. Explain primary growth, initiation of lateral meristems, and secondary growth in roots using appropriate terminology.
5. Explain how the structural features of leaves and roots and their components (such as wood and cork) confer qualities that are useful to people. Give examples
6. Compare and Contrast the structure of stem and roots.

Introduction

Leaves are a variety of shapes and sizes, but the basic structure is similar in all. Leaves have an epidermis, vascular system, and “filler” (ground tissues). The primary function of leaves is photosynthesis (the conversion of light energy into chemical energy). Leaves on the same plant may vary in form depending on their immediate environment (e.g. shade/sun, air/water). They may also vary in form with the age of the plant; juvenile and mature leaves being distinctly different (check out eucalyptus trees when we go to the Botanical Garden).

Content:

1. Leaves

2. Roots

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