SCIENCE OUTREACH
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
Plants
Plant Growth
Plant Growth Using a ginkgo tree as an example, this animation illustrates the growth pattern of plants: addition of new material at the tips of the shoots, and around the circumference of the stem. Once a branch forms, it is not lifted higher as the plant grows. Barley Seed Germination Seed germination is a fascinating, multi-step process. It is illustrated here for a barley seed. photosynthesis - where the glucose goes and why One way to get a better "feeling for the organism" is to think about how and why each part of the plant functions the way it does. We can do this if we consider food, and the fact that different plant parts have different nutritional qualities for us. Why are seeds just about the only reasonable source of protein? Why are leaves used in "dietetic" salads? Why are potatoes so full of starch? They have these properties because of how they function for the plant.
last updated: Jan. 15, 2009
