Rastlina

Rastlina, meaning plant, refers to a member of the kingdom Plantae. Plants range from microscopic algae to towering trees and are primarily distinguished by photosynthesis using chlorophyll, cellulose-containing cell walls, and the presence of plastids. In land plants, many groups exhibit alternation of generations, with a diploid sporophyte and a haploid gametophyte, though the dominant generation varies among lineages. Major groups include bryophytes (mosses and liverworts), pteridophytes (ferns), gymnosperms (conifers, cycads, ginkgo), and angiosperms (flowering plants). Morphology typically includes roots, stems, leaves, and reproductive organs; vascular plants possess xylem and phloem for water and nutrient transport.

Photosynthesis captures light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, sustaining most ecosystems as primary producers. Plants also respire, transpire, and uptake minerals from soil through roots, often forming symbiotic relationships such as mycorrhizae and nitrogen-fixing bacteria in legumes.

Humans rely on plants for food, medicine, timber, fibers, and aesthetic value. Through cultivation and domestication, a vast diversity of crops and ornamental species has developed. Conservation of plant diversity is crucial for food security and ecosystem services, as habitat loss and climate change threaten many species.