Biology 3.1.3 Hydrophytes

Question	Answer
What are hydrophytes?	Plants that live in water, either submerged, on the surface or at the edge
What three things do the hydrophytes require? Why?	Oxygen - respiration Light - photosynthesis Maintained transpiration stream - so that mineral ions can reach the leaves
Why do leaves have a large surface area?	To capture all light for photosynthesis
Why do leaves need to be above water?	Absorb more light
How do plants stay afloat?	They have air spaces in the leaves that keep them afloat
What are the two functions of air sacs in the leaves?	Air sacs in the leaves keep the leafs afloat Air sacs in the roots and stem allow oxygen to move from the floating leaves to the parts of the plant that are underwater
Why do they have stomata on the upper part of the leaf?	The floating leaves need stomata on the upper surface so they are in contact with the air
Why do hydrophytes have flexible stems and leaves?	They have no need for rigid stems as they are supported by the water all around them. Furthermore, flexibility helps prevent damage doe by water currents

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	Created by Sam Gunnell about 5 years ago