BOTANY NOTES
Rewritten in Clear English
Table of Contents
1. Root
2. Stem
3. Leaf
Chapter 1: Root
Definition
The root is the underground part of the plant that develops from the radicle of the seed. It helps in
fixing the plant to the soil and absorbs water and minerals.
Types of Root Systems
1. Tap Root System – Develops from the radicle; mainly in dicot plants. Example: Pea, Mustard.
2. Fibrous Root System – Arises from the base of the stem; found in monocots. Example: Wheat,
Maize.
3. Adventitious Root System – Roots that arise from parts of the plant other than the radicle.
Example: Grass, Banyan tree.
Functions of Roots
Primary: Anchorage in the soil and absorption of water and minerals.
Secondary: Food storage (Carrot), Support (Banyan prop roots), Respiration (Mangrove
pneumatophores).
Experiments
• Geotropism – Roots grow towards gravity.
• Hydrotropism – Roots grow towards water.
Chapter 2: Stem
Definition
The stem is the aerial part of the plant that develops from the plumule of the embryo. It bears
branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Characteristics
• Usually erect and positively phototropic (grows towards light).
• Negatively geotropic (grows away from gravity).
• Differentiated into nodes (points where leaves arise) and internodes (the region between two
nodes).
Functions
• Supports branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits.
• Conducts water, minerals, and food.
• Stores food in some plants (Potato, Ginger, Sugarcane).
• Helps in vegetative propagation (Rose, Money Plant).
Modifications
• Underground stems – Storage and perennation (Potato tuber, Ginger rhizome, Onion bulb).
• Aerial stems – Support and climbing (Tendrils in gourds, Hooks in Bougainvillea).
• Sub-aerial stems – Spread on the ground for vegetative propagation (Strawberry runner, Grass
stolon).
Experiments
• Phototropism – Stems grow towards light.
• Gravitropism – Stems grow away from gravity.
Chapter 3: Leaf
Definition
The leaf is a lateral, flattened, green outgrowth of the stem that arises from a node. It is the primary
organ of photosynthesis.
Structure of a Leaf
• Leaf base – Attaches the leaf to the stem.
• Petiole – The stalk that connects the leaf blade to the stem.
• Lamina – The green, expanded part of the leaf where photosynthesis occurs.
Types of Leaves
1. Simple Leaf – The lamina is entire or incised but does not touch the midrib. Example: Mango.
2. Compound Leaf – The lamina is divided into leaflets. Example: Neem, Rose.
Functions of Leaves
• Photosynthesis – Production of food using sunlight, CO2, and water.
• Transpiration – Loss of water through stomata.
• Gaseous exchange – Through stomata.
• Sometimes modified for storage or defense (e.g., Onion scales, Cactus spines).