Uptake of water & minerals

• Uptake of water and minerals?

  • Water moves by osmosis down a water potential gradient through the permeable cell wall and selectively permeable cell membrane.
  • Minerals are absorbed against the concentration gradient (from low to high).
  • Minerals are actively absorbed out the soil, which means that energy is required for this process.
• Movement of water to xylem?

  • Water moves from cell to cell by osmosis through the cell membrane of each cell. (Slower)
  • Water can also move through the cell walls and intercellular spaces between the cells by diffusion. (Faster)
  • Water in the xylem move up to the leaves due to capillarity.
• Translocation?

  • The movement of substances made in the leaves, during photosynthesis, to other parts of the plant.
  • Manufactured substances are sugars(sucrose).
  • Phloem transports sucrose from the leaves to the stems & roots.
  • Active process.
• Root pressure?

  • The upward force in roots when there’s an influx of water in the soil.
  • Water moves by osmosis.
  • Root pressure isn’t strong enough to push water up into the stem.
• Transpiration?

  • The loss of water in a plant through the stomata.
  • Water and mineral salts are drawn up the roots by the suction force of transpiration.
  • The evaporation of water from the leaf’s surface leads to the cooling of the plant.