The main parts of a plant
Most plants have four main parts, each with its own job: the roots, the stem, the leaves and the flower. The roots anchor the plant and drink water, the stem holds it up, the leaves make food from sunlight, and the flower makes seeds for new plants.
How a plant makes its food
Plants make their own food in their leaves using sunlight, water and air, in a process called photosynthesis. The roots pull up water from the soil, the stem carries it to the leaves, and the leaves use the sun's energy to turn it into food. That is why plants need light and water to grow.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main parts of a plant?
The four main parts are the roots, the stem, the leaves and the flower. Each has a job: roots drink water and hold the plant, the stem holds it up, leaves make food, and flowers make seeds.
What do the roots of a plant do?
The roots hold the plant firmly in the soil and soak up water and minerals from the ground, which the plant needs to grow.
What do leaves do for a plant?
Leaves catch sunlight and use it, along with water and air, to make food for the plant. This is called photosynthesis, and it is how the plant gets its energy.