In the modern world, astonishing numbers of different plant types exist. From the origination of botanics, right up until the 21st century, many new varieties of plant have amerged, a consequence of natural selection, mutation and more recently – genetic engineering.

Whether it be a garden pansy, sunflower or valentine rose, the overrruling majority of plants all hsare 5 main features – with each one serving a special purpose that is essential for the optimum survival and functioning of the organism.

Firstly, at the peak of the plant, is the flower. Normally the most attractive, eye -catching part of the plant, the flower serves not only the purpose of attracting human attention. The primary function of this plant area is to attract other species, such as bees, insects, etc. This permits pollination and fertilisation to occur, so that new plants and different varieties of plant may be produced. Without the flower, plants would eventually face extinction.

The next major organ of the plant is the leaf – the prime location of food production: which fulfills all of the nutritional requirments of the organism. A common misconception that arises frequently is as follows: plants absorb food through the soil. In reality, plants make all their food internally – which is why photosynthesis is so critical. Like all other living things, malnutrition leads to restrictions of growth, development and possible crop failure or death.

By moving further down the plant, we reach the stem – a thin tube which maintains posture and structure. Inside the stem are even thinnner vessels, similar to veins and arteries, which transport essential subsatnces around the human circulatory system. The main vessels: i.e, the xylem and phloem have the duty of transporting food, water and salts/minerals to the various organs of the plant to ensure nourishment.

Holding the other organs and plant body in to place are the roots, thin, strong, stringy strands which take in water and mineral ions: to transport around the plant via the stem vessels. Besides this vital task, the roots also act as anchors, providing a sturdy underground base, to give support foundations for a growing plant.

Finally are the root hairs. These small fibres increase the surface area of the roots, to enable higher absorption rates of water and ions. This is similar to villius hairs in the intestinal system, which increase surface area to absorb food more quickly in the seperate phases of digestion.

In summary, the 5 main plant structures: the flower, leaf, stem, roots and root hairs; work together to maintain optimum health for the plant. They each specialise in a role that is beneficial to the organsism, allowing the best possible developement and growth to take place. Just as enzymes are produced to make highly significant structures, i.e, protease to form amino acids, and cillia are specifically made to clear mucus, these parts are all indivdually specialised to serve a useful purpose.