plant transport systems

• What are the main organs of a plant?

  Roots, stems, leaves
• What roles do plant organs play?

  • Water movement through the plant
  • Photosynthesis
  • Sugar movement through the plant
• What is the function of the waxy cuticle?

  Waterproof layer
• What does the upper epidermis provide for the leaf?

  Structure for the leaf
• Where does photosynthesis primarily occur in the leaf?

  Palisade mesophyll
• What is the main site of photosynthesis in the leaf?

  Spongy mesophyll
• What occurs in the air space of the leaf?

  Gas exchange
• What does xylem transport?

  Water to the leaf
• What does phloem transport?

  Sugars downwards
• What do veins in a leaf contain?

  Both phloem and xylem
• What is the function of the lower epidermis?

  Provides structure for the leaf
• What do guard cells do?

  Open and close the stoma
• When do stomata close?

  When conditions for photosynthesis are unfavorable
• Why is water essential for plants?

  It transports essential materials and aids photosynthesis
• How do roots absorb water and minerals?

  From the surrounding soil
• What is the purpose of root hairs?

  To provide a large surface area for absorption
• How is water transported through the plant stem?

  In xylem vessels
• What are xylem vessels made of?

  Dead, hollow tubes
• What do lignin rings do for xylem vessels?

  Add strength to withstand pressure changes
• What is transpiration in plants?

  • Process of water moving through the plant
  • From roots to evaporation through stomata
• What are the steps of transpiration?

  1. Water taken in through root hairs via osmosis
  2. Water drawn upwards through xylem vessels
  3. Water vapor escapes through stomata
• What factors affect transpiration rates?

  • Wind speed: higher speed increases rate
  • Humidity: higher humidity decreases rate
  • Temperature: higher temperature increases rate
  • Surface area of leaf: larger area increases rate
• Why is glucose important for plants?

  It is required for energy throughout the plant
• How does glucose travel in plants?

  In living phloem vessels