The External Structure of the Bean Plant

Roots

• A root, or radicle, is the first to emerge from a germinating bean seed. Always growing down, roots grow bigger and branch out to anchor the plant and draw water and nutrients from the soil.

Stem

• The stem emerges from a bean seed by growing upward through soil, straightening after it surfaces. It brings water and nutrients from the soil to the rest of the plant, and serves as a base for leaves. Some stems become vines, depending on the type of bean grown.

Leaves

• Leaves stretch out from a bean stem, using sunlight to turn carbon dioxide into sugars and other compounds via photosynthesis.

Flowers

• Small, asymmetrical flowers form near bean leaves. They are pollinated by bees, a process that is necessary to grow more seeds.

Pods and Seeds

• Flower pollination causes bean pods to develop. Inside the pods grow more bean seeds.