Vegetative Organs

Vegetative Organs 

in plants, parts of the bodies of plant organisms that serve to maintain its individual life. In lower plants, the vegetative body (thallus) is not separated into organs but consists of a single cell (in unicellular algae, lower fungi); of threads formed from one layer of cells (in filamentous algae, mycelium of fungi): or of colonies in the form of plates, globes, and the like. In highly organized algae, the thallus is separated into organs and tissues. In higher plants, the principal vegetative organs are the leaf, the stalk, and the root. The leaf carries out the functions of photosynthesis, gas exchange, and transpiration; the root serves to attach the plant to the substrate and for absorption of water and mineral salts from the soil; the stalk is the organ that connects the root and the leaves. The morphological and anatomical structure of the vegetative organs is adapted to performing their inherent functions. When there is a change in the character of the functions, the vegetative organs undergo corresponding changes (metamorphosis). The vegetative organs also serve for vegetative reproduction.