Transport in plants

• What does the survival of a plant depend on?

  Balancing water uptake and water loss
• What are the three levels of transport in plants?

  1. Cellular uptake
  2. Tissue transport - short distance
  3. Whole plant transport - long distance
• What is cellular uptake in plants?


  Uptake and release of water and solutes by cells
• How do root cells absorb water and minerals?

  From the soil
• What controls water and ion movement in roots?

  Endodermis and pericycle
• What is the function of tissue transport in plants?

  Short-distance transport of substances
• How are water and ions transported across the root cortex?

  Into xylem vessels
• What is loaded into sieve tube cells of the phloem?

  Sucrose from photosynthetic cells
• What is the role of xylem in plants?

  Transport water and ions from roots
• What does phloem transport?

  Products of photosynthesis to roots
• What is cambium in plants?

  Meristematic tissue for producing xylem and phloem
• How do root hair cells increase absorption?

  By increasing surface area
• What is the function of the epidermis in roots?

  Protect roots as they grow
• What role does cortex parenchyma play in roots?

  Acts as a storage organ
• What is the function of the endodermis?

  Controls transport into the xylem
• What is the role of the pericycle?

  Controls transport into the xylem
• How does xylem provide support for the plant?

  By transporting water and ions
• What does phloem transport from leaves to roots?

  Products of photosynthesis
• What is the structure of vascular bundles in stems?

  Xylem is central, phloem is outer
• What is the function of the cuticle on stems?

  Reduces water loss through evaporation
• What is the role of the epidermis in stems?

  Protection of the stem
• How does collenchyma strengthen the stem?

  Thickened cell walls with cellulose
• What is the function of cortex parenchyma in stems?

  Acts as a storage organ
• What is the role of pith parenchyma?

  Packing tissue that may break down
• How does sclerenchyma provide support?

  Through lignified cells
• What is the function of cambium in stems?

  Produces more xylem and phloem
• How do root hair cells absorb water?

  Through passive absorption and osmosis
• How do ions enter root hair cells?

  By passive and active transport
• What is the role of the thin cellulose cell wall in root hair cells?

  Shortens distance for transport
• Why do root hair cells have many mitochondria?

  To produce ATP for active transport
• How does the structure of root hair cells aid absorption?

  Long and thin extensions increase surface area
• What is the function of the intracellular spaces in cortex parenchyma?

  Allow movement of water and ions
• How does the structure of the stem support its functions?

  Vascular bundles provide transport and support
• What is the significance of the vascular bundles arrangement in stems?

  Ensures efficient transport of nutrients
• How does the cuticle contribute to plant survival?

  Reduces water loss, aiding in survival
• What is the role of hairs on the epidermis of stems?

  Deter insects and animals from eating
• How does collenchyma differ from sclerenchyma?

  Collenchyma is flexible, sclerenchyma is rigid
• What happens to pith parenchyma in older stems?

  Often breaks down
• How does cambium contribute to plant growth?

  By producing more xylem and phloem