BIOL 1361 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, Diabetes Mellitus Type 1, Pancreatic Lipase Family
Document Summary
The root and shoot systems of plants are specialized for harvesting the light, water, and nutrients required for performing photosynthesis. Structures involved in absorption have a high surface area/volume ratio. Roots extract water and nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from the soil. The shoot system consists of all aboveground portions of the plant, including stems and leaves. Leaves carry out photosynthesis by capturing light and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and usually consist of a flattened blade that extends from a petiole. The morphology of root and shoot systems varies widely among species, allowing individuals to reduce competition for resources. Roots and shoots may be modified to perform a variety of other functions, however, including nutrient storage, water storage, protection, and asexual reproduction. Because roots and shoots grow throughout life, a plant is able to respond appropriately to changes in environmental conditions.
