Class 6 Science Chapter 7 Getting To Know Plants @classes6782

Getting to Know Plants

Plants are living things that are essential for life on Earth. They provide oxygen, food, and habitats for many organisms. Let’s explore the different parts of plants and understand how they grow and function!

1. Parts of a Plant

Plants have several key parts, each with a specific function:

• Roots: Roots are usually found underground and help anchor the plant in the soil. They absorb water and minerals, which are essential for the plant’s growth. Some roots, like carrots and beets, also store food.

• Stem: The stem supports the plant and transports water, minerals, and food between the roots and leaves. It acts like a highway inside the plant! Stems can be soft (like in herbs) or woody (like in trees).

• Leaves: Leaves are the food factories of plants. They use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to make food through a process called photosynthesis. Leaves come in various shapes and sizes, and they also help in breathing through tiny openings called stomata.

• Flowers: Flowers are the reproductive parts of most plants. They attract insects like bees and butterflies, which help in pollination. Flowers can develop into fruits, which contain seeds.

• Fruits and Seeds: Fruits protect the seeds inside them. Seeds are important because they grow into new plants. Some fruits, like apples and mangoes, are fleshy, while others, like nuts, are hard.

2. Types of Plants

Plants can be classified into different groups based on their characteristics:

• Herbs: Herbs are small plants with soft, green, and tender stems. Examples include mint, basil, and spinach. They usually have a short lifespan.

• Shrubs: Shrubs are medium-sized plants with woody stems, but they are not as tall as trees. They have multiple branches and a bushy appearance. Examples include rose, hibiscus, and bougainvillea.

• Trees: Trees are large plants with a single, strong, woody stem called a trunk. They can live for many years and grow very tall. Examples include oak, mango, and pine.

• Creepers: Creepers are plants with very weak stems that spread out on the ground. They cannot stand upright. Examples include pumpkin, watermelon, and strawberry.

• Climbers: Climbers have weak stems but use external support like walls, sticks, or other plants to grow upwards. They have special structures like tendrils to hold onto support. Examples include grapevines, peas, and money plants.

3. How Do Plants Make Food?

Plants make their own food through a process called photosynthesis. This process happens mainly in the leaves, which contain a green pigment called chlorophyll. Here’s how it works:

• Sunlight: The plant captures sunlight through its leaves.
• Water: The roots absorb water from the soil.
• Carbon Dioxide: The leaves take in carbon dioxide from the air through tiny openings called stomata.
• Process: Using sunlight, the chlorophyll converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen.

This glucose is used by the plant for energy and growth, while oxygen is released into the air, which we breathe!

4. Importance of Plants

• Provide Oxygen: Plants release oxygen during photosynthesis, which is essential for all living beings to breathe.
• Food Source: Plants provide food for humans and animals, like fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts.
• Medicines: Many plants have medicinal properties and are used to make medicines.
• Shelter: Plants, especially trees, provide shelter and habitats for animals.
• Environment: Plants help in reducing pollution, preventing soil erosion, and keeping the environment balanced.

5. How Do Plants Reproduce?

Plants reproduce in various ways:

• From Seeds: Most plants grow from seeds. Seeds contain a baby plant inside, which grows when it gets the right conditions of water, air, and warmth.
• From Stems: Some plants can grow from stem cuttings, like rose and potato.
• From Roots: Plants like sweet potatoes can grow from roots.
• From Leaves: Certain plants, like bryophyllum, can grow new plants from their leaves.