planta

Plants are multicellular, eukaryotic organisms belonging to the kingdom Plantae. They are primarily photosynthetic, using chlorophyll to convert light energy into chemical energy, and they release oxygen as a byproduct. Most plants are stationary and inhabit a wide range of environments, from oceans and forests to deserts and grasslands.

Typical plants have organs such as roots, stems, and leaves, and tissues specialized for photosynthesis, support, and transport. Vascular plants possess xylem and phloem to move water, minerals, and sugars, while non-vascular plants lack these tissues and tend to be small and moisture-dependent. Cell walls are made of cellulose, and growth occurs at meristems, which allow plants to extend their roots and shoots.

Reproduction and life cycles in plants often feature alternation of generations, with a sporophyte stage and a gametophyte stage. They reproduce sexually through gametes and seeds in seed plants, or spores in ferns, mosses, and related groups. Angiosperms produce flowers and fruits to aid pollination and seed dispersal. Many plants can also reproduce asexually through vegetative propagation.

Ecologically, plants form the base of most terrestrial ecosystems, providing food, habitat, and oxygen, as well as contributing to soil structure and climate regulation through carbon and water cycles. They interact with a wide range of organisms, including fungi (mycorrhizae), bacteria, and animals such as pollinators and seed dispersers, shaping biodiversity and human agriculture.