Quick Lab
GUIDED INQUIRY

What Parts of Plants Do We Eat?

  1. Examine an onion, a potato, and an artichoke. Record your observations as notes and labeled sketches. CAUTION: Do not eat the vegetables.

  2. Use your observations to classify each vegetable as a root, stem, leaf, or other plant part.

    Analyze and Conclude

  1. Classify How did you classify the onion? Explain what characteristics you used to make this decision.

  2. Infer How did you classify the potato? How is its structure related to its function?

  3. Infer How did you classify the artichoke? What does its inner structure tell you about its function?

Plant Tissue Systems

What are the primary functions of the main tissue systems of seed plants?

Within the roots, stems, and leaves of plants are specialized tissue systems, shown in Figure 23–1. Plants have three main tissue systems: dermal, vascular, and ground. Dermal tissue covers a plant almost like skin covers you. Vascular tissue forms a system of pipelike cells that help support the plant and serve as its “bloodstream,” transporting water and nutrients. Ground tissue produces and stores food. Next, you will see how the cells in these systems compare to one another.

Dermal Tissue Dermal tissue in young plants consists of a single layer of cells called the epidermis (ep uh DUR mis). The outer surfaces of epidermal cells are often covered with a thick waxy layer called the cuticle, which protects against water loss. Some epidermal cells have tiny projections known as trichomes (TRY kohmz). Trichomes help protect the leaf and may give the leaf a fuzzy appearance. Dermal tissue is the protective outer covering of a plant.

In older plants, dermal tissue may be many cell layers deep and may be covered with bark. In roots, dermal tissue includes root hair cells that help absorb water.

A plant with its organ leaf, stem and root and organ's cross section in inset.

FIGURE 23–1 Principal Organs of Plants These cross sections of the principal organs of seed plants show that all three organs contain dermal tissue, vascular tissue, and ground tissue. Interpret Visuals Which tissue type is found in the center of a root?

A symbolic representation of cross section.

End ofPage 665

Table of Contents

Miller & Levine Biology
About the Authors
Changing the World of Biology Education
Contents
Diversity of Life: A Visual Guide DOL•1–DOL•64
Labs and Activities
Features
UNIT 1 The Nature of Life
1 The Science of Biology
2 The Chemistry of Life
Unit Project
UNIT 2 Ecology
3 The Biosphere
4 Ecosystems and Communities
5 Populations
6 Humans in the Biosphere
Unit Project
UNIT 3 Cells
7 Cell Structure and Function
8 Photosynthesis
9 Cellular Respiration and Fermentation
10 Cell Growth and Division
Unit Project
UNIT 4 Genetics
11 Introduction to Genetics
12 DNA
13 RNA and Protein Synthesis
14 Human Heredity
15 Genetic Engineering
Unit Project
UNIT 5 Evolution
16 Darwin's Theory of Evolution
17 Evolution of Populations
18 Classification
19 History of Life
Unit Project
UNIT 6 From Microorganisms to Plants
20 Viruses and Prokaryotes
21 Protists and Fungi
22 Introduction to Plants
23 Plant Structure and Function
24 Plant Reproduction and Response
Unit Project
UNIT 7 Animals
25 Introduction to Animals
26 Animal Evolution and Diversity
27 Animal Systems I
28 Animal Systems II
29 Animal Behavior
Unit Project
UNIT 8 The Human Body
30 Digestive and Excretory Systems
31 Nervous System
32 Skeletal, Muscular, and Integumentary Systems
33 Circulatory and Respiratory Systems
34 Endocrine and Reproductive Systems
35 Immune System and Disease
Unit Project
A Visual Guide to The Diversity of Life
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
THE TREE OF LIFE
Bacteria
Protists
Fungi
Plants
Animals
Appendices
Appendix A Science Skills
Appendix B Lab Skills
Appendix C Technology & Design
Appendix D Math Skills
Appendix E Periodic Table
Glossary
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q, R
S
T
U
V
W
X, Y, Z
Index
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Credits
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