3.3.5 Transverse Sections: Stems, Roots and Leaves

Question 1

What is a dicotyledonous (dicot) plant?

Answer 1

Dicotyledonous (dicots) plants have:
Seeds that contain two cotyledons (seed leaves)
Network of veins
Leaves that typically have broad blades (leaf surface) and petioles (stalks)
Tap root with lateral branches

Question 2

What is the vascular system in a plant?

Answer 2

Plants have a vascular system which involves a network of vessels (vascular tissue) running through the leaves, stem and roots. These three parts are the main organs involved in transport

Question 3

What two types is the vascular system made up of?

Answer 3

The vascular system is comprised of two distinct types:
Xylem (transports water and mineral ions from the roots to the rest of the plant)
Phloem (transports substances from the source (eg. leaf) to the sink (eg.root))