Flowers

The land was filled with seed-bearing plants and trees, and their seeds produced plants and trees of like kind. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:12

Flowering plants reproduce by seeds that are formed in their flowers. Plants have four distinct organs that do specialized tasks (Form defines function). Roots: Roots anchor the plant in the soil, absorb water and minerals and store food. Stems: Stems provide support for the plants leaves and flowers, transport water and nutrients throughout the plant, and store food. Leaves: Leaves manufacture food through a process called photosynthesis. Flowers: Flowers contain reproductive organs and immature seeds and fruit. One of the easiest ways to identify plants is by examining their flowers. Each plant has a unique flower. Lab Observations Part One: 1. 2. 3. Obtain one specimen of each flower. Identify the stem, leaves and flower of each specimen. Identify each flower by observing: a) general shape (bell, ray, etc.) b) number and arrangement of petals c) color d) size Questions: 1. What similarities did you notice between the flowers? 2. What differences did you see? 3. Why might you need to identify a plant? 4. How does the structure of the parts determine function? (Are the parts perfectly made for their intended purpose?)

Flower Dissection: Some plants self-pollinate, however, most plants need to have pollen from another plant of the same type brought to its flowers in order to produce seeds. One function of a flower is to attract pollinators to bring pollen from other plants. Some pollinators include bees, wasp, moths and even hummingbirds. These animals are attracted to flowers by their color and smell. The parts of a plant are identified on the attached sheet along with their function. Lab Observations Part Two: 1. Obtain your lily specimen. 2. Identify the sepals (usually green and found near the base of the flower). 3. Identify the petals. Observe their color, scent and texture. Gently remove the petals and set them aside. 4. Identify the stamens. These will often have pollen (sticky yellow substance) on the ends. Gently remove the stamens. 5. Identify the pistil. It should be all that is left of your flower. Most pistils are thin with a bulging area at the bottom. This bulging area is the ovary where the ovules (beginnings of seeds) are. 6. Gently cut open the pistil with a sharp knife or razor blade. 7. Locate any ovules. These are generally the size a shape of the flower seed but are often white or green. 8. Dissect the rest of your specimens in the same manner following steps 27. Questions: 1. Was it easy or hard to identify the parts of the flowers other than the lily? 2. How were the flowers similar? 3. How were the flowers different? 4. How many ovules did you find in the lily? 5. How are the ovules different than seeds ready to plant? 6. Why are they green or white? 7. If you planted these ovules would they grow into a plant?