Learn · Science · Class 3

Parts of a Plant & Their Functions

Roots, stem, leaves and flower, and the job each one does.

6 parts
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Turn this on and each part is read out as you reach it.
The parts of a flowering plantflower — makes seedsleaf — makes foodstem — holds it uproots — take in water
Each part of the plant has its own job.
🧩 The partsRoots and stemPart 2 of 6
✏️ Worked exampleLeaves make the foodPart 3 of 6
🔍 In detailFlowers make seedsPart 4 of 6
✅ SummaryPlant expert!Part 5 of 6
Roots pulled from the soil, the part that takes up the water the stem carries. Photo: Antonis Bartsiokas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Roots pulled from the soil, the part that takes up the water the stem carries. Photo: Antonis Bartsiokas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
1📘 DefinitionPart 1 / 6

Every part has a job

A flowering plant has four main parts, and each one does something different.

Roots, stem, leaves and flower.

🎯 Which part takes in water?
2🧩 The partsPart 2 / 6

Roots and stem

Roots take in water and minerals from the soil. They also hold the plant firm.

The stem holds the plant up and carries water to the leaves.

🎯 What does the stem carry to the leaves?
3✏️ Worked examplePart 3 / 6

Leaves make the food

Leaves catch sunlight and use it to make the plant's food.

That is why leaves are wide and flat, to catch as much light as they can.

🎯 Which part makes the plant's food?
4🔍 In detailPart 4 / 6

Flowers make seeds

The flower makes seeds so new plants can grow.

Bright colours and sweet smells attract insects, which help the plant.

🎯 What does a flower make?
5✅ SummaryPart 5 / 6

Plant expert!

  • Roots: take in water, hold firm.
  • Stem: holds up, carries water.
  • Leaves: make food from sunlight.
  • Flower: makes seeds.
6✏️ Worked examplePart 6 / 6

Watch one worked through

Here is one done slowly, with the reason for every move. Then one for you.

Let me show you

A gardener cuts through the stem of a healthy plant. The leaves wilt by evening. Explain why.

  1. roots → stem ↑ → leaves
    Ask what the stem does. It carries water up from the roots.
    Start from the job of the part that was damaged. The damage tells you which job stopped.
  2. roots ✓ → stem ✂ ✗→ leaves
    The roots still take in water, but it can no longer reach the leaves.
    The roots are fine. Naming the part that still works stops you blaming the wrong thing.
  3. no water → leaves limp = wilting
    Without water the leaves go limp, which is wilting.
    Water is what holds a leaf stiff. This is why a thirsty plant droops before it dies.

Answer: The stem carries water to the leaves, so cutting it stops the water getting there and the leaves wilt

Now you try

Which part of a plant makes its food?

Show the answer

leaves

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