Chapter 1
Counting and Operations with Whole Numbers
Course: Elementary Education Assessment 5006
Subject: Mathematics And Science 5008
Chapter: Life Sciences 1
Living organisms survive because their structures work together as systems. A structure is a body part with a specific form, and its form supports a specific job in the organism. A process is an action the organism carries out (such as photosynthesis, digestion, breathing, or responding to a stimulus). In both plants and animals, structures and processes are connected: when a structure changes, the organism’s ability to carry out key processes changes too.
Structures and Processes in Plants
Plants must take in water and minerals, make their own food, transport materials, and reproduce. They do this through specialized structures that work as an integrated system.
Roots
- Roots anchor plants so they remain stable in wind, rain, and changing soil conditions. This matters because plants cannot move away from stressors, so staying firmly positioned helps them keep access to resources.
- Roots absorb water and dissolved minerals from soil. This absorption is essential because water is a reactant in photosynthesis and also supports transport within the plant. Minerals (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) are needed to build proteins, DNA, and chlorophyll.
- Many roots increase absorption by having many tiny root hairs. Root hairs greatly increase surface area, which increases the rate of water and mineral uptake.
- Roots can also store energy (starch) in some plants, which supports survival during periods when photosynthesis is limited, such as winter or drought.