what purpose do "shoot systems" serve the plant?

Answer 1

Shoot sytems provide an architectural framework for light capture so that the plant can photosynthesize more effectively.

Answer 2

Entire shoot systems are often modified for such special functions as climbing, protection, adaptation to arid habitats, and water or food storage.
The roots anchor a plant, absorb water and minerals, and provide a storage area for food. The two basic types of root systems are a primary root system and an adventitious root system. The most common type, the primary system, consists of a taproot (primary root) that grows vertically downward (positive geotropism). From the taproot are produced smaller lateral roots

In botany, the shoot is one of two primary sections of a plant; the other is the root. The shoot refers to what is generally the upper portion of a plant, and consists of stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. It is derived from the embryonic epicotyl, the portion of the embryo above the point of attachment to the seed leaves (cotyledons).

In the shoot, water and nutrients are transported from the root to the leaves in conducting tissue called xylem, which consists primarily of tracheids and vessel members. Photoassimilates are carried away from mature leaves in conducting tissue called phloem, which is mainly made up of sieve cells and sieve tube members.

In everyday speech, shoots are often confused with stems. Stems, which are a critical component of shoots, provide an axis for buds, fruits, and leaves.


The shoot of a cucumber.A shoot may also refer to the new growth of a plant stem. Because the fibres in this new growth have not yet completed secondary cell wall development, these shoots are soft and are often eaten by animals. As a protection, some plants (eg. bracken) produce toxins that make their shoots inedible or less palatable

Answer 3

The important function of shoot system is to give support and grew leaves so that plant can trap sufficient light energy...
it is the prime neccesity of plant to obtain sunlight for its growth..
so whether we can say shoot provide strength, guard, support, protection, but the main function is to trap sunlight and help in reproduction by exposing ovary or shedding pollens..