Class 6 Notes Chapter 4- Getting To know Plants

1. VIDYA BHARTI EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
SCIENCE NOTES CLASS 6TH
GETTING TO KNOW PLANTS
Plants can be classified on the basis of their height, stem and branches. On these
parameters, plants can be of three types, viz. herbs, shrubs and trees.
Herbs: Herbs are small plants which have soft stem. Examples: Wheat, paddy,
cabbage, grass, coriander, etc.
Shrubs: These are bushy and medium- sized plants and they are somewhat bigger
than herbs. Their branches start from just above the ground. Examples: Lemon,
Coriander, Henna, Rose, etc.
Tree: These are tall and large plants with hard and woody stem. A single main-stem
arises from the ground. The main-stem is called trunk. The trunk gives out many
branches at certain height. The branches carry leaves, flowers and fruits. Examples:
Mango, banyan, acacia, coconut, poplar, willow, etc.
Some other types of plants
Creepers: Plants with weak stem that cannot stand upright and spread on the ground
are called creepers. Examples: Pumpkin, Watermelon, sweet potato, etc.
Climber: Plants with weak stem that needs support is called climber. Examples:
Grapevine, money-plant, cucumber, bean, etc.
Structure of a typical plant
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2. VIDYA BHARTI EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
SCIENCE NOTES CLASS 6TH
GETTING TO KNOW PLANTS
A typical plant contains two main parts, viz. roots and stem. The stem bears leaves,
flowers and fruits.
Root: The underground part of a plant is called root. It is usually pale in colour.
The root system consists of two types of root.
Tap root: This is composed of a main root which grows from the base of the stem.
Many branches and sub-branches come out of the main root (tap root). Examples:
pea, radish, carrot, mango, marigold, mustard etc.
Fibrous root: In this type, a cluster of thin fibre-like roots arise from the base of the
stem. These roots spread out in the soil. Examples: Maize, grass, wheat, millet, etc.
Functions of Root
Roots hold the plant firmly in the soil and thus provide anchorage to the plant.
Roots absorb water and minerals from the soil.
Stem: Stem usually grows above the ground. The stem makes the main structural
framework of the plant. The stem bears leaves, branches, buds, flowers and fruits.
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HEAD OFFICE: 131/12 KRISHNA COLONY, STREET NO 4, NEAR SHIV MANDIR, GURGAON

3. VIDYA BHARTI EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
SCIENCE NOTES CLASS 6TH
GETTING TO KNOW PLANTS
The point from where branches or leaves grow is called node. The portion of a stem
between two consecutive nodes is called the internode.
Functions of stem
The stem gives structural support to the plant.
It bears branches, leaves, flowers and fruits.
The stem carries water and minerals from the roots to different parts of the plant.
Stem gets modified for food storage in some plants, e.g. potato, ginger, turmeric, etc.
Leaf
The leaf is a thin, flat and green structure which arises from the node of the stem.
The green colour of leaves is due to the presence of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a
green-coloured pigment. The flat green portion of the leaf is called leaf-blade or
lamina. The leaf is attached to the stem by a short stalk; called petiole.
Venation: Arrangement of veins in a leaf is called venation. When the veins make a
network like structure, it is called reticulate venation, e.g. leaves of banyan, mango,
jackfruit, etc. When the veins run parallel to each other, it is called parallel venation,
e.g. leaves of paddy, wheat, grass, etc.
Stomata: There are many small openings on the lower surface of a leaf. These are
called stomata. Stomata allow gases to enter or exit the leaf. Unwanted water is also
removed through stomata; in the form of water vapour.
Transpiration: Loss of water vapour from plants through stomata and lenticels is
called transpiration. A major portion of transpiration happens through stomata.
Functions of leaf
Photosynthesis: This is the main function of a leaf. Plants prepare food from carbon
dioxide and water; in the presence of chlorophyll and sunlight. This process is called
Photosynthesis.
Breathing: Stomata in leaves also facilitate breathing by leaves.
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HEAD OFFICE: 131/12 KRISHNA COLONY, STREET NO 4, NEAR SHIV MANDIR, GURGAON

4. VIDYA BHARTI EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
SCIENCE NOTES CLASS 6TH
GETTING TO KNOW PLANTS
Flower: Flower is the most beautiful and colourful part of a flowering plant. It is the
reproductive part of a plant.
Structure of flower
Following are the main parts of a flower:
Sepal: The outer green leafy structure in a flower is called sepal. Petals make the first
whorl of a flower. This whorl is called calyx. It protects the flower at bud stage.
Petals: The coloured leaf-like structures; next to the sepals; are called petals. The
bright colours of the petals, attracts insects. This helps the plants in reproduction.
The whorl formed by the petals is called corolla.
Stamens: Around the centre of the flower there are many little stalks with swollen
tops. These are called Stamen. It is the male part of the flower. Each stamen consists
of a green stalk called filament. A capsule-like structure; called anther is at the top of
the stamen. The anther produces pollen grains. Pollen grains are powder like
particles and take part in reproduction.
Pistil: It is the female part of the flower. It is a flask- shaped structure in the middle of
the flower. It is divided into three parts.
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5. VIDYA BHARTI EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
SCIENCE NOTES CLASS 6TH
GETTING TO KNOW PLANTS
Ovary: The lower broader portion of the pistil is called ovary. It contains the ovules
which take part in reproduction.
Style: The narrow middle portion of the pistil is called style.
Stigma: The sticky end at the top of the style is called stigma.
CONTACT: 9654089891, 9811083910, 9953898004
HEAD OFFICE: 131/12 KRISHNA COLONY, STREET NO 4, NEAR SHIV MANDIR, GURGAON