NCERT Summary: Getting to Know Plants | Science Class 6 PDF Download

Herbs

• These plants have green, tender stems and are usually short with few branches. 
• They do not develop a hard, woody structure and are often used in cooking or medicine. 
• Example: Basil.

Shrubs

• Shrubs have harder stems but are not as thick as trees. 
• Their branches grow near the base of the stem, making them bushy and medium-sized. 
• Example: Rose Bush.

Trees

• Trees are very tall with hard, thick stems and branches that grow high up on the trunk. 
• They have a woody structure and provide shade. 
• Example: Oak Tree.

Creepers

• Creepers have weak stems that spread on the ground and do not stand upright. 
• They often cover the ground and can spread over large areas. 
• Example: Pumpkin Plant.

Climbers

• Climbers have stems that need support to grow upwards. 
• They attach themselves to structures or other plants and climb to reach sunlight. 
• Example: Bean Plant.

Leaf Structure:

• Petiole: The stalk that attaches the leaf to the stem.
• Lamina: The broad, flat part of the leaf.

Leaf Patterns:

• Veins: The lines on a leaf that transport nutrients and water.
• Midrib: The central vein running through the leaf.

• Reticulate Venation: A net-like pattern of veins.
• Parallel Venation: Veins run parallel to each other.

Functions of Leaves:

• Transpiration: The process where water evaporates from leaves into the air.
• Photosynthesis: The process where leaves use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce food and release oxygen. Leaves contain starch, which is produced during photosynthesis.

Roots

Functions of Roots:

• Roots anchor the plant securely in the soil.
• Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil and transport them to other parts of the plant.

Types of Roots:

• Tap Roots: Have a main root with smaller lateral roots branching off (e.g., carrot, radish).
• Fibrous Roots: Do not have a main root; instead, they consist of many similar-sized roots that spread out (e.g., grass, maize).

Characteristics of Roots:

• Root Systems can be classified into tap root systems or fibrous root systems.
• Roots can vary in appearance and structure depending on the type of plant.