Transport in Plants

• What type of tissue is primarily responsible for transport in plants?

  Vascular tissue
• What is the specialized tube called that carries water in plants?

  Xylem
• In which direction does the xylem carry water?

  Upward from roots to shoots
• What two forces help the xylem transport water?

  Cohesion and adhesion
• What is cohesion in the context of water transport?

  Water attracted to other water molecules
• What is adhesion in the context of water transport?

  Water attracted to the sides of the xylem
• How does transpiration contribute to water movement in plants?

  It creates a pulling force through evaporation
• What are stomata?

  Holes in leaves for gas exchange
• What is transpirational pull?

  A pulling force from evaporation through stomata
• What structural feature of xylem helps maintain a continuous water column?

  Hollow dead cells
• What is lignin's role in the xylem?

  Provides structural support and prevents collapse
• What is the shape of xylem in the center of roots?


  X shape
• What is the function of phloem in plants?

  Transport sugars and organic molecules
• What surrounds the vascular bundles in a plant stem?

  Cortex
• What is the function of the epidermis in plant stems?

  Protection and waterproofing
• What is the pith's role in the plant stem?

  Provides bulk to the stem
• What is the arrangement of tissues in roots compared to stems?

  Similar features but different arrangement
• What increases the surface area for water absorption in roots?

  Root hairs
• What are the main components of a plant's vascular system?

  • Xylem: transports water
  • Phloem: transports sugars and organic molecules
  • Vascular bundles: contain both xylem and phloem
• How do the xylem and phloem differ in function?

  • Xylem: transports water upward
  • Phloem: transports sugars downward and upward
• What adaptations do xylem cells have for their function?

  • Hollow structure for continuous water column
  • Made of dead cells for efficient transport
  • Lignin for structural support
• What is the significance of cohesion and adhesion in water transport?

  • Cohesion: water molecules stick together
  • Adhesion: water molecules stick to xylem walls
  • Both facilitate upward water movement
• What are the roles of the cortex and pith in plant stems?

  • Cortex: supports vascular bundles, site of photosynthesis
  • Pith: provides bulk to the stem
• How does the arrangement of vascular tissues differ in stems and roots?

  • Stems: vascular bundles in a ring
  • Roots: vascular tissues in an X shape