Investigate the structure of plants

Question 1

What are the three main structures of a plant

Answer 1

Root system: anchors plant and absorbs water and aqueous nutrients
Shoot system (stem and leaves): structural support and transport between roots and leaves
Leaves: absorb CO2 and sunlight and photosynthesise to produce glucose. Leaves are also responsible for transpiration

Question 2

Describe 3 technologies used to determine plant structure

Answer 2

Imaging technology: such as light and electron microscopes which reveal structure and function of components of a plant. Photos can be taken from different angles and collated to measure external structures
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): radio and magnetic waves take a series of pictures of a 3D structure. eg. image of root structure. NEEDS ADDITIONAL TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE RESOLUTION
X-ray computed microtomography (micro-CT): x-ray beams are fired at different angles and recaptured to produce a 3D image of internal structures at HIGH RESOLUTIONS

Question 3

Describe the process of carbon tracing

Answer 3

using of radioisotopes of carbon (c14) in carbon dioxide for plant photosynthesis. The emitted radiation as the radioisotope decays can be tracked around the plant to show movement of carbon dioxide and glucose around the plant.

Question 4

Describe the movement of carbon around a plant

Answer 4

Little goes to parts of the plant to keep it alive but most goes to stem apex for the plant to grow.