plant organs

• What are meristematic cells found in plants?

  They are cells found at the ends of growing roots and shoots.
• What is the primary function of meristematic cells?

  They can differentiate into any plant cell for the entire life of the plant.
• How do root hair cells absorb water and minerals?

  They absorb water by osmosis and mineral ions by active transport from the soil.
• What is the role of large vacuoles in root hair cells?

  They increase the rate of osmosis.
• What do xylem cells transport?

  They transport water and mineral ions from the roots.
• How are xylem cells structured to facilitate their function?

  They are long cells joined end-to-end to form a long continuous tube.
• What is the purpose of lignin rings in xylem cells?

  Lignin rings help withstand high pressure within the xylem.
• What happens to xylem cells as they mature?

  They die, forming a hollow tube.
• How does water move between xylem cells?

  Water can move between cells through the hollow tubes formed by dead xylem cells.
• What is the function of phloem cells?

  They transport dissolved glucose from the leaves to the rest of the plant.
• How do sieve tubes in phloem cells function?

  Sieve tubes allow sap to move between cells.
• What is the role of companion cells in phloem?

  Companion cells contain many mitochondria that release energy to actively transport sugar-glucose.
• How does the transport direction differ between xylem and phloem?

  Xylem transports water unidirectionally, while phloem transports nutrients bidirectionally.