Support in Plant Why do plants need support? 1. To support its weight 2. To withstand the forces of gravity 3.

To absorb maximum sunlight

Type of plant a)Submerged plants E.g. Hydrilla sp, Elodea sp, Ultricularia sp b) Floating plants e.g. Water hyacinth ( Eichornia crassipes )

Adaptation 1.Very thin, narrow and flexible leaves 2. Presence of air sac or air spaces inside the leaves and stems which is provided by aerenchyma tissue 1.Have broad , firm and yet flexible leaves 2.Have aerenchyma tissues in the stems , petioles and leaves

Explanation Provide little resistance to water Keep the plant afloat to absorb maximum sunlight To resist being torn by wave action Spongy and large air spaces to provide water buoyancy Allow plants to float on the surface of water To provide support and to prevent the leaves from collapsing. Turgor pressure pushes the cell contents against the cell wall, creating support for the stem, root and leaves. Provide additional mechanical strength.

3. Have sclerenchyma tissues within the mesophyll cells in leaves and in stems a) Herbaceous plants 1. Turgidity of parenchyma and collenchyma cells.

2. Thickening of cell walls of collenchyma cells with cellulose and pectin b) Woody plants

1. Sclerenchyma tissues: Have thick,rigid and non-stretchable lignified secondary cell wall to support the non-growing parts of plants. 2 types of sclerenchyma tissues: a) Fibres long, straight and thin Found around vascular tissues b) Sclereids short, circular and irregular shape. Found mainly in the fruit and seeds.

2. Xylem tissues Thickened by lignin at the cell walls. Form different types of vessels : Annular @ ring-shaped vessel Spiral vessel Sclarariform @ ladder-like vessel Pitted vessel Made up primary xylem. Secondary growth of dycotiledonous plants will result in formation of secondary xylem, called wood Wood provide support to plants. 3. Srtuctural adaptations for terrestrial plants 1. Buttress roots roots which come out from the lower part of the trunk and grow into the ground 2. Creepers, vines, lianas ( woody vines) use other trees for support.