PlantsVocabulary

Chlorophyll

The green molecules inside a plant cell’s parts that make the plant appear green. The chlorophyll’s job is to absorb sunlight for photosynthesis.

Chloroplasts

The specialized parts of a plant cell that hold chlorophyll. They trap sunlight inside themselves so the plant can make sugar through photosynthesis.

Xylem

Tubes within a plant—both large and small—that carry water up the plant towards all the cells in the trunk (stem), branches, leaves, etc.

Phloem

The vessels of a plant that carry water down the plant to all the plant’s parts to deliver sugar. Once sugar is made in the plant’s green parts (leaves usually), the phloem carries this sugar to the cells so they can get the energy they need.

Photosynthesis

The process in which plant leaves make sugar for the plant’s cells. It is a chemical reaction that happens in the chloroplasts when CO2, water, and sunlight react to form sugar (glucose) and oxygen. People benefit from both the sugar and oxygen, for eating and breathing, respectively.

Cellular Respiration

All cells need oxygen, sugar, and water to survive. Plants make their own sugar because they do not have a digestive system or way to get it from movement. When sugar and oxygen enter a cell, they react in the mitochondria to form carbon dioxide, water, and energy. This energy helps the cell do its job(s) and help the organism stay alive.

Roots

The hairlike structures of a plant that help the plant absorb water. Similar to our mouth and esophagus, but there are many of them. They tend to branch out and seek out water.

Transpiration

Plants lose water or sweat like people do. Larger plants lose gallons of water each day. Most water is lost through the leaves.

Stomata

Plants lose water through stomata. Guard cells (the green ones) form the outer layer of a plant’s leaf, but the stomata open and close depending on heat, humidity levels, and wind speed.