What Are The Functions Of Plant Parts For Kids?

While everyone sees that trees and pants grow, how this process occurs is not as evident. Plants have parts that contribute to their life and growth. Most plants engage in photosynthesis — "the process that allows plants to take energy from the sun and create sugars," according to Biology4Kids.

Roots

The roots of a plant grow in the ground and are responsible for pulling both water and minerals to the plant. They expand in the ground to increase the surface area for water absorption. They also anchor the plant into the ground for stability.

Stem

The plant's stem transports the nutrients and minerals through the plant up to the leaves. The leaves are the location for photosynthesis. After photosynthesis occurs, the stem is responsible for carrying the food through the rest of the plant. Stems grow upwards, allowing leaves at the bottom of the plant to reach sunlight for food production.

Leaf

The leaf is responsible for catching sunlight and allowing both air and water to enter the plant. Leaves can be simple, with one leaf connected to the plant, or compound, where a leaf is connected with one petiole but has numerous leaflets on it. Leaves have veins inside them to allow nutrients and water to flow.

Flowers

Flowers are the part of the plant that is responsible for making the food. The flower has both female parts, called the pistil, and male parts, called the staemens. They work together to fertilize the plant and produce seeds. The petals of a flower attract other insects such as butterflies and bees to the plant to pollinate them.