GCSE Biology Revision — Plant Tissues & Organs
Revise Plant Tissues & Organs for GCSE Biology with a topic explanation, worked example and common mistakes. Check the board notes for specification differences.
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What is Plant Tissues & Organs?
Plants have specialised tissues and organs just like animals. Key tissues include epidermal tissue for protection, palisade mesophyll for photosynthesis, and xylem and phloem for transport. These tissues are organised into organs such as leaves, stems, and roots, each with a specific role in the plant's survival.
Board notes: Covered by all major boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). The structure of the leaf and its adaptations for photosynthesis are a particularly important area.
Step-by-step explanationWorked examples
Worked example
The leaf is a plant organ designed for photosynthesis. It has a layer of palisade mesophyll cells at the top, packed with chloroplasts to absorb maximum sunlight. It has xylem to bring water for photosynthesis and phloem to take away the sugars produced. Stomata underneath allow carbon dioxide to enter.
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Common mistakes
- 1Confusing xylem and phloem. Xylem transports water and minerals up from the roots, while phloem transports sugars (food) from the leaves to the rest of the plant. Remember 'xylem to the sky, phloem for food'.
- 2Thinking that roots don't respire. All living cells, including root cells, need to respire to release energy. This is why waterlogged soil can kill a plant - the roots can't get enough oxygen.
- 3Forgetting the function of stomata. Stomata are tiny pores, mainly on the underside of the leaf, that allow for gas exchange (CO2 in, O2 out) and control water loss through transpiration.
Plant Tissues & Organs exam questions
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Frequently asked questions
What are the main organs of a plant?
The main organs of a plant are the roots, which anchor the plant and absorb water and nutrients; the stem, which supports the plant and transports substances; and the leaves, which are the primary site of photosynthesis.
What is the function of root hair cells?
Root hair cells are specialised cells on the surface of roots. They have long extensions that dramatically increase the surface area for the efficient absorption of water by osmosis and mineral ions by active transport from the soil.