The Structure of Plants as Organisms - Essay Example

Plant anatomy can be described as the study of the structure of plants as organisms, which entails analyses of cells, tissues, and organs. Plant physiology can be described as the study of the function of cells, tissues, and organs of the plants. Organs of a plant such as stem, roots, and leaves are made up of the same type of tissue. The function of a standard root is anchorage, nutrient & water absorption from the soil, storage, and transportation of nutrients and water. The plant used for this project is a yam, it is a modification of the normal root since it has a ground tissue (cortex) that provides support and stores starch and sugar. Support is a function that is mainly conducted by the stem, and for this reason, yam is a modification of a normal plant.

Botanically yams are in the family of monocotyledonous referred to as Dioscoreaceae and genus Dioscorea. The main reason why they are grown is because of their tuber or storage organs. The root cortex of a yam as compared to that of a corn is huge, which enables it to store sugar, starch, and other substances. Casparian strip, which is a water-impermeable strip of waxy material situated in the endodermis does not control the uptake of minerals into the xylem as compared to other plants such as corn plants. This is because most of the minerals are stored and retained in the root, which functions as a stem. Yam as a plant can be said to support leaves because a stem is absent, the anatomy of yam as a plant can be said to be a modification of another standard plant.

Animals and animal products are beneficial to human beings for different purposes other than for food. Animal products are highly beneficial in the production of materials for clothes. Pigs are essential in the production of valuable products such as suede for the manufacture of clothes and the production of shoes. Cattle produce leather which is sourced from the hides in the animal skin. The leather is used in the manufacture of clothes, shoes, purses, wallets, and car upholstery. Feathers from poultry especially from geese and ducks are important in stuffing down clothes such as pillows and jackets. Sheep is a great source of wool that is used in processing yarn for knitting socks, shirts, and other different clothes. Rabbits are a source of fur used in knitting socks, yarn, and other types of clothing.  

The most important benefit of animals is medicinal applications. Animal products have been tested methodically as a source of drugs, especially in modern medicine. For instance, snake venom is used as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. This enzyme is important in the control of blood pressure and therefore important in the application of high blood pressure in modern medicine. Also, Fish is a high source of biochemical medicine that is used in the manufacture of antiviral and anticancer drugs.