structure adaptations

• Several cells in plants are adapted to perform specific functions:

  Root hair cells: ​specialised to take up water by osmosis and mineral ions by active transport from the soil as they are found in the tips of roots

  • ●  Have a large surface area due to root hairs, meaning more water can move in
  • ●  The large permanent vacuole affects the speed of movement of water fromthe soil to the cell
  • ●  Mitochondria to provide energy from respiration for the active transport ofmineral ions into the root hair ce
• 1. Xylem cells: ​specialised to transport water and mineral ions up the plant from the roots to the shoots

  • ●  Upon formation, a chemical called lignin is deposited which causes the cells to die. We say that these dead cells have become ​lignified​. They become hollow and are joined end-to-end to form a continuous tube so water and mineral ions can move through.
  • ●  Lignin is deposited in spirals which helps the cells withstand the pressure from the movement of water
• Phloem cells: ​specialised to carry the products of photosynthesis (food) to all parts of the plants

  • ●  Cell walls of each cell form structures called sieve plates when they break down, allowing the movement of substances from cell to cell
  • ●  Unlike xylem, these cells within phloem are ​alive
  • ●  Despite losing many sub-cellular structures, the energy these cells need to bealive is supplied by the mitochondria of the companion cells.
  • ●  These cells use this ​energy ​to transport ​sucrose​ (the sugar that plants use)around the plant