Transport in plants

• Where does photosynthesis take place in plants?

  In leaves
• What is the leaf classified as in terms of plant organs?

  A plant organ that contains different tissues
• What are the thin cells covering the top and bottom of the leaf called?

  Epidermal cells
• What is the function of the epidermis in a leaf?

  To protect the surface of the leaf
• What is a key adaptation of the upper epidermis?

  It is transparent, allowing light to pass through
• What does the waxy cuticle do for the leaf?

  It reduces the evaporation of water from the surface
• What are the tiny pores on the lower epidermis called?

  Stomata
• What is the function of stomata in a leaf?

  To allow carbon dioxide to enter and oxygen to leave
• What do guard cells do in relation to stomata?

  They help control the amount of water vapor that can pass out of the leaf
• What is found at the top of the leaf?

  The palisade mesophyll
• What are palisade cells packed full of?

  Chloroplasts
• What is the role of chloroplasts in palisade cells?

  To absorb the light energy needed for photosynthesis
• What is a key feature of the spongy mesophyll?

  It is full of air spaces
• How do air spaces in the spongy mesophyll assist in gas exchange?

  They allow carbon dioxide to diffuse to the palisade cells and oxygen to diffuse to the stomata
• What are the two other tissues in the leaf besides mesophyll?

  Xylem and phloem
• What does xylem tissue transport?

  Water from the roots to the stem and leaves
• What mineral ion is transported by xylem and is used to make chlorophyll?

  Magnesium
• What does phloem tissue transport?

  Dissolved sugars produced by photosynthesis from the leaves to the plant
• What is the immediate use of glucose transported by phloem?

  It is used in respiration
• What is the process of moving sugars through phloem tissue called?

  Translocation
• Where is meristem tissue found in plants?

  At growing tips, such as shoots and roots
• What is transpiration?

  Transpiration is the process of water evaporation from the surfaces of leaves.
• What do stem cells in meristem tissue do?

  They can differentiate into different types of plant cells
• Why is transpiration important for plants?

  It brings water to the leaf, transports dissolved minerals, and cools the leaf.
• Where does photosynthesis take place in the leaf?

  Photosynthesis takes place in the palisade mesophyll.
• What are the different types of tissues found in a plant leaf and their roles?

  • Epidermal tissue: Protects the leaf surface
  • Palisade mesophyll: Contains chloroplasts for photosynthesis
  • Spongy mesophyll: Allows gas exchange with air spaces
  • Xylem: Transports water and minerals
  • Phloem: Transports sugars
  • Meristem tissue: Contains stem cells for growth
• What does xylem tissue do?

  Xylem tissue transports water and dissolved mineral ions from the roots to the leaves.
• How does water enter the roots of a plant?

  Water enters the roots through root hair cells.
• What initiates the process of transpiration?

  The evaporation of water from cells inside the leaf.
• What is the transpiration stream?

  The transpiration stream is the movement of water from the roots to the leaves to replace lost water.
• What role does transpiration play in cooling the leaf?

  Evaporation of water from the leaf cools it down.
• How does temperature affect the rate of transpiration?

  The rate of transpiration is greater at higher temperatures.
• Why does transpiration occur faster under dry conditions?

  Transpiration occurs faster under dry conditions because evaporation takes place more quickly.
• How does wind affect the rate of transpiration?

  The rate of transpiration increases in windy conditions because wind removes water vapor.
• What happens to the rate of transpiration when light intensity increases?

  The rate of transpiration increases with higher light intensity due to stomata opening for photosynthesis.
• What are stomata and their function in plants?

  Stomata are openings that allow gas exchange and water loss in plants.
• How do guard cells function in relation to stomata?

  Guard cells swell and change shape to open stomata for gas exchange.
• What happens to guard cells under high light intensity?

  Guard cells swell and change shape, causing stomata to open.
• What do plants do under hot conditions regarding stomata?

  Plants close their stomata to reduce water loss by transpiration.
• What is the trade-off for plants when they close their stomata?

  Closing stomata reduces water loss but limits photosynthesis.