Leaves are specialized for capturing sunlight for photosynthesis. The blade of a leaf is attached to the stem by a stalklike petiole . A simple leaf has one blade and one petiole. In compound leaves , the blade is divided into leaflets on the same petiole. There are two types of root systems pictured above, fibrous and taproot.
Roots absorb minerals from the soil.
There are ten minerals needed for normal plant growth. Explain the difference between macronutrients and micronutrients. Chemical messengers that affect a plant's ability to respond to its environment. Hormones are organic compounds that are effective at very low concentrations. These chemicals are usually synthesized in one part of the plant and transported to another location.