Transport, Storage and Gas Exchange in Flowering Plants (LC 2026) (Leaving Cert Biology): Revision Notes

Modified Storage Organs

Storage in Roots

• The tap roots of plants like carrots and parsnips store starch.
• This is usually done during the summer months when photosynthesis is occurring. The glucose produced in the leaves is converted into sucrose, transported to the tap root, and stored as starch.

Storage in Leaves

• Plants with modified leaves called bulbs store food (e.g., onions and garlic).

Storage in Stems

• Potatoes are underground stems called tubers, which are swollen with food.
• The formation of tubers by potatoes is a method of asexual reproduction.

Storage in Petioles

• Celery and rhubarb are plants that store food in their modified petioles.