Transport in Plants
Describe how xylem and phloem move water, minerals and food.
Plants have transport tissues that connect roots and leaves.
- Compare xylem and phloem.
- Explain transpiration and its role.
- Describe how root hair cells absorb water.
Xylem and Phloem
- Xylem — carries water and dissolved minerals from roots to leaves; made of dead, hollow cells.
- Phloem — carries sugars and amino acids from leaves to the rest of the plant; made of living cells.
Transpiration
Water evaporates from leaves through stomata. This pulls more water up the xylem, creating a continuous column. Transpiration cools the plant and helps move minerals.
Root Hair Cells
Root hair cells have a long, thin extension that increases surface area for absorbing water and minerals from the soil.
Soil → root hair cell → xylem → leaf → stomata → atmosphere.
Sugar made in the leaf → phloem → growing shoot, root or fruit.
Practice
- State one difference between xylem and phloem.
- Explain how water reaches the top of a tall tree.
- Why do root hair cells have a large surface area?
Recap
Xylem transports water and minerals upward; phloem transports sugars. Transpiration drives water movement.
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Nutrition and Transport in Plants
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