Parts of a Plant and Its Functions Class 2

Parts of Plants

Different parts of plants have different and special functions that help the plant to live and grow. Let us study various parts of plants and their role.

a) Roots
b) Stems
c) Leaves
d) Flowers
e) Fruits
f) Seeds

Definition of Roots

The root is a part of the plant that is normally present underground. It helps the plant to absorb water and food from the soil.

Characteristics of the Roots

a) Roots are the part of the plant that grows downward.
b) The most important role they play is to help in attaching the plant strongly to the soil.
c) Roots act like the feet of the plant, helping them to be in one place.
d) The surface of the roots has small fine hairs which help plants absorb water and important minerals to grow properly and remain healthy.
e) Roots of a few plants are consumable like radishes, turmeric, beets and carrots to name a few.

Definition of Stems

A stem is a link between the roots and another part of the plant which supports the flowers, fruits and leaves of the plant.

Characteristics of the stems

a) The stem is the main body of the plant and it is like the plant's backbone.
b) The most crucial role of the stem is to keep the plant erect and give support to all other parts of the plant.
c) Stem transports nutrients and water from roots to other parts of the plants. It is just like a pipeline that delivers essential things to all the different parts of the plant.
d) Stems of certain plants are consumable like bamboo shoots, asparagus and celery.

Definition of Leaves

A leaf is the flattened part of the plant which is the site for the formation of food for the plant.

Characteristics of the Leaves

a) Leaves are green-coloured parts of the plant that are generally attached to the stem.
b) With the help of water from the roots, carbon dioxide and sunlight, leaves make food for the plant.
c) Some plants have consumable leaves such as spinach, kale, lettuce, mint, and coriander.

Definition of Flowers

Flowers are the part of the plant that is fragile and that blossoms. They produce seeds. Nearly all the plants contain flowers.

Characteristics of the Flowers

a) Flowers are the beautiful and colourful parts of the plant.
b) They grow from buds and have an important role in making new plants.
c) They are responsible for producing fruits.
d) For example orchids, lotus, sunflowers, and tulips.

Definition of Fruits

Fruits are the part of the flowering plant. They are fleshy and their skin can be tough or thin.

Characteristics of the Fruits

a) Fruits have different sizes, shapes, and tastes.
b) They are generally juicy and sweet as they are made to carry and protect seeds.
c) Strawberries, grapes, mangoes and oranges are a few examples of fruits.

Definition of Seeds

Seeds are often small in size and through them, new plants are produced.

Characteristics of the Seeds

a) Seeds contain all the required components to develop into plants.
b) We depend on different seeds such as rice, wheat, pulses, beans, and almonds as essential sources of nutrition.
c) Different products we enjoy like some oils, chocolate and coffee come from the seeds of different plant species.

All the parts of the have a special function that helps the plant to be healthy and to reproduce.

Products Obtained from Plants

Food: Plants are an important source of nutrition of plants. They provide us with a wide variety of foods. Such as:

Medicine: Some plants can be a source of natural medicine. Aloe vera and Neem and aloe vera are commonly used for their medicinal properties. 

Paper: Paper is made up of wood pulp, that is generally obtained from trees.

Clothes: Some plants give us fibres that are used to make a wide variety of bedding and clothing materials.

For example, Products like bags, bedsheets and t-shirts are made from cotton obtained from the plant. Linen and Jute are obtained from plants too.

Building material: Bamboo and wood are plant-based items that may be used for construction and building.

Cosmetics: Materials such as skin care products, lotion and cosmetics are products of plants. For example, Aloe vera, Coconut oil, rose etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main parts of a plant?

The most essential parts of the plants are leaves, flowers, fruits and the roots.

2. Why are roots important for plants?

Roots help to attach plants to the soil and absorb water and important nutrients for growth. That's why roots are important for plants.

3. What do stems do for plants?

Stems help in the transport of water and important nutrients from roots to all other parts of the plant. They also provide support to the plant.

4. What do fruits contain that helps new plants grow?

Fruits contain seeds that can grow into new plants.

5. Which part of the plant makes food?

The leaves make food for the plant through a process called photosynthesis.