Introduction

A plant has two organ systems: the shoot system and the root system.

Plants have two organ systems, the roots, and the shoots. The organs are labeled.

The root system includes those parts of the plant below ground, such as the roots, tubers, and rhizomes. This system is usually completely underground. It anchors the plant in the soil, absorbs and conducts water and nutrients, and is a location for food storage.

The shoot system is above ground and includes the organs such as leaves, buds, stems, flowers (if the plant has any), and fruits (if the plant has any). This system is usually above ground with the following functions: photosynthesis, reproduction and dispersal, and food and water conduction.

Systems Working Together

Why is the interaction of different organ systems necessary for any organism's survival? Let us look at an everyday example. Right now looking at the picture of food is probably making you feel hungry. Now you want to get some food, so your brain tells you to go to the refrigerator and see what is there. Immediately your body stands up and starts walking towards the refrigerator.

That seemingly simple task is actually quite complex. It requires a complex combination of your nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Your brain sends signals for you to stand and walk. Your nerve cells send messages down your spinal cord to your leg, back, and arm muscles that then contract and release, allowing you to stand and walk.

Even before you put the first bite of food in your mouth your digestive system starts working. Salivary glands start working to produce the saliva that will help break down and lubricate the food. Depending on what you ate the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas all contribute to the physical breakdown of food.

Next, these tiny little energy packages have to get from your intestine to all the little cells in your body. The heart and blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries) allow the transport of nutrients, gases, and wastes to and from your cells.

Don't forget your respiratory system exchanging gas with the help of your lungs and trachea to provide the oxygen necessary for your cells to process the food into energy. All this for a quick bite to eat!

Plant organs, tissues, and organ systems cooperate to survive.

Similar to animal systems, the tissues, organs, and organ systems in plants also cooperate to accomplish tasks. The plant creates food through photosynthesis.

The dermal tissue system allows the carbon dioxide required for photosynthesis into the plant. Next, the ground tissues in the leaves that contain the chloroplasts begin to create sugars. However, the chloroplast organelles need water. The root system absorbs water and the vascular tissue system transports it to where it is needed. Lastly, once the sugar is made it is quickly transported to the fruit or other areas of the plant for storage. Plant systems might be simpler compared to animals but they are no less important.

The survival of plants and animals depends on the interconnections of the organ systems.

ePortfolio Submission

Please submit these answers in a pdf format and upload your answers to the questions below in your ePortfolio.

1. Put the following terms in order of size, smallest to largest: organs, cells, organ system, organelle, organism, tissue.
2. What is the function of the digestive system?
3. How many organ systems do plants have?
4. Explain why an organ system of a plant or animal cannot work independently?